A.SPLENIUM. 
167 
33. Aspienmm Adiantum-mgrum, L. Black 
Spleenwort. 
Caudex stout, horizontal, or erect. Stems densely tufted. 
Fronds ovate, pointed, firm, glossy, bi-tripinnate. Pinnae stalked, 
tapering. Pinnules stalked. Leaflets sessile, serrated, more or 
less pointed. Sori abundant, narrow, oblong. Involucres firm, 
pale brown. 
This fern is often called Black Maiden-hair, which is 
the literal translation of its specific name. 
The roots are fibrous and 
branching, when old the caudex 
is thickly clothed with the re- 
mains of old stems ; the stems 
are stained of a deep black- 
purple colour at the base, and 
the colour extends partially all 
its length, the stem becomes 
wdnged when it joins the pin- 
nae, it varies in length from 4 
inches to 1 foot, and generally 
occupies about half the extent 
of the frond. The fronds are 
extremely variable in size and 
form, sometimes pointed-ovate, 
but oftener acutely triangular, 
and measuring from 8 inches to half a yard in length ; 
in texture they are leathery, very glossy, and of a bright 
dark-green colour; generally evergreen. The lowest 
pair of pinnae are usually the longest, but sometimes the 
two last pairs are of the same length. The sori become 
confluent when mature. 
This fern is so variable in form that it is often divided 
into several species. 
