The sori are linear, occupying the exterior side of the linear
lobes of the pinnæ; and, as always in this subgeuus Darea,
they open on the outward side, that is, on the side turned away
from the rachis. The fructifications are produced over the whole
frond.
There are, apparently two forms of this plant in cultivation.
One introduced by Messrs. Veitch and Son, from Java, is ap-
2>arently a more vigorous grower, producing longer and more
pendent fronds. The other reached this country from the continental
gardens, and appears to be of smaller growth. The
form introduced by Messrs. Veitch does not appear to have the
pinnules divided down to the midrib, as they are in the other
form.
It is only known as a native of Java.
It is as yet not a common Fern in gardens, although the
facility of propagation afforded by its bulbilles should render it
not difficult of increase. Probably many cultivators are not
yet aware of its claims on their attention.
The following Nurserymen have plants for sale:—
The Messrs. Veitch, at Exeter, and at their Chelsea Nursery;
E. G. Henderson, of St. John’s IVood; Booth, of Hamburg;
Messrs. Kollisson, of Tooting; and Messrs. A. Henderson, of
Pine-apple Place; K. Sim, of Foot’s Cray; and Parker, of
Holloway.
The plant is easily grown in a stove temperature, Avhich it
requires.
I am indebted to Messrs. Veitch, of Exeter; Booth, of Hamburg;
A. Flenderson, of Pine-apple Place; and E. G. Henderson,
of St. John’s IVood, for plants; and to Mr. Henderson, of
Wentworth, for fronds.
The illustration is from a frond given to me by Mr. H en derson,
of IVenlAvorth.
Portion of mature Frond, under side.
ASPLENIUM OBTUSATUM.
F ohstek. Sc iik u iir . j . Sm ith . K unze. P r esl. F e e .
P L A T E V . H. VOL . V.
A sp lén ium—Spleenwort. . Ohtusatum—Mhxnt-frundcd.
I n THE S e c t io n E u a s p l e n iu m .
A n uncommon species in cultivation. A handsome, dwarf,
thick, fleshy-fronded Fern; distinct, and well deserving more
general cultivation. Mr. Moore has given an excellent illustration
of Asplénium ohtusatum, at page 258, vol. iii. of the
“Magazine of Botany,” in the “ Genera and Species of Cultivated
Ferns,” ivritten b y himself and Mr. Houlston.
This Fern is in the same section with A . lucidum—Duasple-
nium—a section which is represented in Great Britain b y the
Sea Spleenwort, ( A . marinum.)
An e re c t-g roA v in g r i g i d Fern Avlth g l a b r o u s f r o n d s , Avhich
a r e c o r ia c e o u s . It d o e s n o t o f te n e x c e e d t e n in c h e s in th e
l i