70 
THE FERNS OF SOUTH AFRICA 
when it appears as T. filicula Bory, but these specimens are 
otherwise identical with T. pyxidiferum. In the Synopsis 
Filicum , where the two are maintained as distinct species, 
both widely distributed, the Cape is given as a locality for 
each. Pappe and Rawson find T. filicula the common plant, 
and T. pyxidiferum from Natal only. In other countries they 
may be distinct, but I agree with Lady Barkly and Buchanan 
in recognising only one species, and not even two good 
varieties, in South Africa. Kuhn also does so, but considers 
it distinct from T. pyxidiferum Linn., and calls it T. melano- 
trichum Schl. 
Christensen maintains T. pyxidiferum Linn, from the 
tropics and T. melanotrichum Schl. from “ Africa, tropical 
and South, with islands ; ? Asia tropical,” and he places 
T. filicula Bory under the widely distributed T. bipunctatum 
Poir., giving “East and South Africa and its islands” among 
other localities. 
T. pyxidiferum Linn. Pappe and Rawson, 45 ; Hk. and Bkr. Syn . 
Fil. 81 ; Sim, Ferns of S. Africa , 1st ed., 55 ; C. Chr. Index Filicum y 
648. 
FT. melanotrichum Schl. Adum. 56; Kunze, Linhaea, 10, 74; Pappe 
and Rawson, 45 ; C. Chr. Index Fil. 644. 
In moist close places, on trees and rocks throughout most 
tropical and sub-tropical countries, abundant in Natal and 
Eastern District, more rare West. 
West. — Genadendal (P. and R.), Plattenberg Bay (Mund). 
East; — Abundant at Grahamstown, Bedford, etc. 
Kaff. — Plentiful throughout the forest region, Transkei (Bowker), 
Umtata (Flanagan, 2647). 
Natal. — Inanda (Dr Rehmann, 8194), Umpumulo (Buchanan), common 
in the Midland and Upper district (McKen), Buccleuch (Leighton), 
Lidgetton (A. Roberts, 971). 
Transvaal. — Macamac, and Pilgrim’s Rest (McLea and Herb. Bolus, 
3019), Mamotsinri (Burtt-Davy, 212), Houtboschberg (W. Nelson, 
453), Sabie-hoek forest, 4200 ft (Burtt-Davy, 1525). 
Orange Free State. — Van Reenen (Prof. Bews,and R. Schlechter, 6976). 
(TRICHOMANES D1GITATUM Swartz.) 
Plate 4. Fig. 3. Nat. size, d Margin magnified. 
Rhizome very slender, wiry. Frond one to two inches 
