P ortion of b a rren Frond.
TRICHOMANES ELEGANS.
R u d g e . H o o k e r .
P L A T E L X I V .— B .
Hymenostachys diversifrons,
Trichomanes— FTom. th e Greek, soft hair.
B o e t .
Elegans—Elegant.
A MO.ST distinct Fern , from Guiana, Gorgona, Panama, and
Pacific side of Central America.
This most elegant and singular species forms tufts of very
deep green, drooping, shining, sterile fronds; which are
pinnatifid, about four inches iu length, witb a stipes of two
or three inches, being much shorter than the fertile fronds.
The form is broadly lanceolate, segments almost horizontal,
crowded, lanceolate, subfalcate, tbe edge serrated. Frequently
caudate and proliferous at the apex. W id th of frond an inch and
a quarter to an inch and a h a lf Tufted. Veins reticulated.
Tbe fertile fronds, which are from six to twelve inches in
length, are very different to the sterüe ones, being extremely
narrow and undivided; situated on erect stalks. W id th not h a lf
an inch, having forked transverse veins and closely-united involucres,
forming the edge on each side, wbich is fringed witb
tbe coarse bair-like, abundant, slender, lengthy, filiform receptacles.
L ength of stipes about h a lf th a t of the frond.
Colour deep green, and glistening.
Requires a very humid close atmosphere, with a range of
temperature from 6.5° to 80°.
My thanks are duo to Messrs. Backhouse for fronds.
I