328 
FERNS : BRITISH AND FOREIGN. 
often words of doubtful origin, and unmeaning appli- 
cation to the plants, have been given as generic 
names by even the most learned botanists. 
N.B. — For all names ending and beginning witli 
Pteris, see Ptcris. 
A coniopteris, akon, a point, and pteris ; tlie veins forming sharp 
angles close to the margin of the frond in the typical 
species. 
Acrostichum, akros, highest, sticlios, order ; the fructification at 
the top of the fronds. 
Adiantura, adiantos, dry; when plunged in water comes out 
dry. 
Alsophila, alsos, grove, phileo, to love ; grows in groves and 
shady places. 
Amphidesmium, ampin, around, or on both sides, desmos, a 
band ; relating to the position of the sori to one another. 
Anapeltis, ano, without, peltis, shield ; the sori naked, in oppo- 
sition to Pleopeltis. 
Anchistea, agnati, kindred, intermediate between Woodwardia 
and Doodia. 
Anemia, aneimon, naked ; naked spikes of fructification. 
Anemidictyon, veins reticulated ; not free as in Anemia. 
Anetium, probably from the Greek anaitios, guiltless. This is 
perhaps meant to indicate that A. citrifolium had been put 
wrongfully to Acrostichum. 
Angiopteris, angio, open, pteris ; the open sporangia. 
Antigramma, anti, opposite, gramma, a line ; the linear sori 
being in pairs opposite to each other. 
Antrophyum, antrum, a den or hollow; the receptacles of 
sporangia being in a grove or channel. 
Arthropteris, artliron, joint, pteris ; the frond and pinnae being 
articulate. 
Aspidium, aspidos ; the indusium being like a buckler or 
shield. 
Asplenium, a, privative, splen, the spleen ; medical qualities. 
Balantium, balantion, a purse or bag; the form of the indu- 
sium. 
Blechnum, one of the Greek names for a fern. 
Botrychium, botrys, bunch or raceme ; the fructification like a 
bunch of grapes. 
