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D I C T Y O X I P H I U M P A N A M E N S E .
L X IX -V ol.
Portion of fertile Prond, mider side.
DICTYOXIPHIUM PANAMENSE.
H o o k e r . .1. S m it h .
P L A T E L X IX . V O L . V I I I .
Dictyoxiphium—Signifying a sword, in allusion the form o f the frond,
and a net, to its reticulated veins. Panamense—Of Panama.
A V E R Y distinct-looking F e rn , singular in appearance, and
rare.
A n evergreen stove species.
N a tiv e o f tlie Isthmus of Panama, where it was found by-
Cuming, and of N ew G renada, where it was found b y P u rd ie .
Somewhat e re c t in habit.
F ro n d s glabrous, simple, en tire , linear-lanceolate in form, or
ensiform, coriaceous, atten u a ted towards the base and apex, and
d e cu rren t on th e stipes. Rhizoma fasciculate, stout, and erect.
Stipes short, an d , as well th e midvein, scaly.
Sori lin e a r, marginal, continuous, an d double. In d u sium
lin e a r and continuous, and opening from th e u p p e r surface of
th e frond.
F e rtile fronds contracted.
Veins in te rn a l, compoundly anastonising, with free veinlets
term in a tin g in th e areoles.
L e n g th o f frond from twenty-four to th irty -six inches, wid th