Asplenium abscissum, B a k e r , Syn. I'il., ed. ii., p. 2 0 3 , an d possibly
of Willdenow, but this is very doubtful.
Asplenium polymorphum. M a r t e n s 8i G a l eo t it , Syn. Fil. Mex., p. 56,
t. 1 5 , f ig . 2.
Asplenium salicifoiium, F o u r n ie r , B1. Mex., Crypt., p. 106.
H a b . — In sinks or chasms in limerock, near Ocala, Florida, W. H.
S h o c k l e y , J. D o n n e l l S m ith . Mexico and the West Indies to Peru.
D e s c r i p t i o n : — The fronds are firmly membranaceous,
rather than sub-coriaceous. They are ovate or triangular ovate in
outline, with a long pinnatifid and acuminate apex. The upper
pinnæ are adnate to the rachis and more or less decurrent at
the base, forming a narrow wing on the rachis. The inferior
pinnæ have short stalks, and have the upper side of the base
closely parallel to the rachis, while the lower side is cut away
obliquely. The pinnæ are usually acuminate, but not always so.
The sori are oblong, and placed about midway between the
midvein and the margin. Sometimes the lowest one on the
upper side of the base is diplazioid. The spores are oval, and
covered with reticulating ridges.
Asplenium abscissum of Willdenow is sometimes considered
to be this fern, and sometimes A . lætum. It may
have been made up of both. Fournier identifies this fern
with A . salicifolium of Linnæus, which is contrary to the usually
received opinion.
Plate LX X X .— Fig. 1 5 - 1 7 ’ Asplenium firmum, irom Florida. Fig.
16 is half o f a principal pinnæ, somewhat enlarged, and Fig. 17 is a spore.
J t
. 1'