A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. 
243 
L O MARIA — continued. 
L. ^. platyptera. 
This is la Fern of gigantic dimensions, its handsome 
fronds frequently lattaining 3ft. in lengtJi. Although given 
by Moore as a variety of L. gihha, it has all the appear- 
anioe of a Blechnum, as on the moek-fertile fronds, which 
never produce any spores, the false fructification is dis- 
posed on each side of the midvein, and does not form a 
separate frond. It is permanently barren, and has been 
produced several times by sowing together spores of L. gihha 
and Blechnum hrasilicnse. Fig. 100. 
L. g. rosea. 
In this handsome variety, also known in, commerce under 
the name of L. g. tincta, the principal attraction and most 
distinctive character reside in the lovely pinkish, or rosy 
colour with which, its fronds when in a young state are 
adorned, and which is equal in intensity to that observed 
in certain Adiantums. It is of much more erect habit 
than the species. This variety reproduces itself freely from 
spores. 
L. gigantea. 
A synonym of L. attenuata. It must not be confounded 
with L. ciliata gigantea. 
L. lanceolata. 
An evergreen greenhouse species, native of New Zea- 
land, Tasmania, Australia, and the Polynesian Islands, 
particularly attractive on account of its dwarf and compact 
habit and the lively colour of its young barren fronds; these 
are beautifully ornamented by the bright orange-red 
coloured rachis which runs through, their centre. The 
barren fronds are Gin. to 12 in. long, 2 in. to 4 in. broad, 
borne on dark brown stalks 4in. to Gin. long, and abun- 
dantly produced from a close, fleshy crown. The closely-set 
leaflets, of a leathery texture and bright green colour, are 
somewhat sickle-shaped, gradually narrowed to a point, 
slightly toothed, and smooth on both, sides. The fertile 
fronds, which, are distinctly pinnate, of a more upright 
habit, and seldom more than Sin. long, are furnished with 
contracted, sickle-shaped leaflets about |in. apart at the 
base. 
L. L'Herminieri, 
Under this name is known a most attractive stove species 
from Tropical America, as its foliage when young is of a 
beautiful crimson colour, changing with age to a dark glossy 
green. The barren fronds are broadly spear-shaped, 9in. to 
loin, long, and Sin. to 4in. broad, numerous and disposed in 
K 2 
