4 
[IY] 
LIMESTONE POLYPODY. 
pHIS species so nearly resembles the last-mentioned that at the first glance one may easily be 
mistaken for the other. 
The fronds appear in May, and soon arrive at maturity. 
The rhizome is creeping, and stouter than the last species. 
The stem is pale coloured, and much longer than the frond, and is clothed with scales. 
The fronds are from six to eighteen inches in length; they are partially three-branched, but the 
lower pinnae are much smaller than the centre division. The colour of the fronds is a dull green, 
owing to their being covered with very small stalked glands, giving a downy appearance to the 
surface; which, and the scaly stem, are excellent distinguishing characters. 
The seed is produced in clusters on the under margin of the pinnules and lobes, and is of a 
brown colour. 
It is confined to the limestone districts, and is of rare occurrence. It has been found near 
Merthyr-Tydvil on the Brecon road; the only other locality recorded is Llanferris, in Denbighshire. 
There is little doubt that it grows elsewhere, but has been passed by in mistake for the last species. 
fylkxt 
It will bear more sun than Dryopteris. The soil should be light and intermixed with lime or 
old mortar. Care should be taken not to give it too much moisture. 
