F e rtile pinna, under side.
ASPLENIUM FILIX-FOEMINA, V a r . C o r y m b if e r u m .
P L A T E X V .
Asplenium—Spleenwort. Filix-fcBmina—^emsde, Fern.
Coiymhiferum—From corymhus—a corymb, and fe ro—to bear.
I n t h e S e c t io n A t h y r iu m o f A u t h o r s .
T h i s most charming multifid variety of the “ Lady F e rn ”
was found in Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands, several
y-ears ago, by Mr. J . James, of Vauvert, and is a valuable
addition to our hardy Ferns. The fronds are moderately large,
and in habit this F ern closely resembles the normal form of the
above species. Being very readily propagated by spores, this
lovely variety has rapidly found its way into all good collections.
The apex of each frond is widened out and developed into
a large corymbosely fan-shaped tasseled tuft, frequently densely
tufted, whilst the apex of each pinna or side division is similarly
(although in a less degree) symmetrically tasseled, the
whole outline of the frond being fringed. The pinnules are
larger, and the tassels broader than in any other variety. I t
is flat-piniiuled, and has a red tinge.
L ength of frond from twelve to twenty inches.
My thanks are due to Mr. J . James, of Vauvert, for fertile
fronds of this elegant F e rn , from the spores of which many
plants have been raised.
The illustration is from a plant in my own collection.