TAB. XLIV. 
Asplenium (Athyrium) Nigritianum, Hook, 
Tota planta siccitate nigra, caiidice brevi robusto erecto 
squamis copiosis atro-ferrugineis subulatis paleaceo, stipiti- 
bus Cfespltosis robustis spitbamaeis rachique dense fusco- 
villosis, frondibus 1-1 J pedem longis rigide coriaceis ob- 
longo-lanceolatis acuminatis basi attenuatis bi-tripinnatis^ 
piiinis infimis remotis, reliqiiis magis approximatis hori- 
zontalibus vix 3 imcias longis lanceolatis acuminatis, 
pinnulis 2-3-lineas longis omnibus petiolulatis oblique 
rhomboideis obscure et obtuse auriculatis seu inasqualiter 
bilobis serratisj pinnulis iniimis ternatis seu subpinnatis 
racliin imbricantibus, venis obscurls subflabellatim dicho- 
tomis, soris 1-5 in singula pinnula parvis lato-oblongis, in- 
volucris convexis integerrimis fere nigris. 
Asplenium Nigritianum, Hook, Sp. FiL 3. 223. 
Hab. Prince’s Island, Fernando Po, Barter in Baikiis 2nd 
Niger Exped. n. 1898. 
A distinct and very peculiar Asplenium^ wliicb has no near 
relationship to any species known to me ; remarkable for its 
hrnq rigid texture, very stout stipes and main rachis, shaggy 
with woolly, hair-like scales, and for the very black colour of 
the whole plant when dry. I place it with some hesitation 
among Athyria, on account of a certain peculiarity of habit, 
and of the convex involucres, which however are very firm 
and coriaceous, and nearly of the same colour as the (dried) 
frond. 
Portion of the base and apex of a fertile plant ; nat. size. 
Fig, 1. Inferior pinnule from a sterile pinna, f. 2, Fertile 
pinna with soil : magnified. 
CjiiNX. 2, 1. 11. 
