which the stem bifurcates, haying another leaf at the point of separation,
and at the termination of one of the forks, on a short peduncle, is
a single, mitant, straw-yellow flower, resembling that of Uvularia per-
foliata, but smaller. Leaves lanceolate, acute, narrow at base, sessile
or rather amplexicaule, many-nerved, glaucous on the under surface
and enlarging during the progress of the plant towards fructification.
Segments of the corolla flat without, rugose internally. Capsule ovate,
situated on a short peduncle. Grows in company with its congener
U. perfoliata, delighting like it in a shady, moist and good soil; and
flowering in May and June.
This species of the very natural genus Uvularia resembles at first
view very much, the one which has already been figured in the first
volume of this work. It may easily be known from it by common observers,
if attention be paid to the difference of the form of the leaves,
and their attachment to the stem. The plant improves by culture,
though its single flower, which is generally concealed by the cluster
of young folded leaves, under which it droops, will scarcely cause it to
be much esteemed as a garden plant.
The figure represents a flowering specimen, of its common size
during inflorescence.
3LTo—srac&a %
OPHIOGLOSSUM VULGATUM.
COMMON ADDER’S TONGUE.
Cryptogamia, Filices, Linn. Filices, Juss.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Capsules naked, 1-celled, connate, in an articulated distichal spike, 2-valved, opening
transversely.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Spike cauline ; frond ovate-obtuse, closely reticulated. Willd.
St ip e smooth, from three to four inches long, supporting at its
apex an ovate or oblong-ovate, obtuse, fleshy leaf, somewhat amplexicaule.
From the base, at its point of union with the stipe, supported
by a peduncle from two to four inches long, proceeds a spike of
about one inch in length, thickly covered on both sides with the seed
vessels. The spike appears to be articulated, owing to the dehiscence
of the seed vessels.