SCOLOPENBRIUM Ceterach.
Common Scaly Spleenwort.
CRYPTOGAMIA Filices, amillatae.
- Gen. Char. Fructif. in scattered double lines, between
veins. Invol. superficial, folding lengthwise
over one another, separating by a longitudinal suture.
S pec. Char. Frond pinnatifid, lanceolate, scaly beneath.
Syn. Scolopendrium Ceterach. <SW. FI. Brit. 1134.
Sym. 193. Roth. Germ. v. 3. 48.
Asplenium Ceterach. Linn. Sp. PL 1538. Huds.
452. With. 767. Hull. 241. Bolt. Fih 20. t. 12.
A . sive Ceterach. Rail Syn. 118.
L E S S frequent than the other British Scolopendrium represented
in our t. 1150, but still far from uncommon on calcareous
rocks and walls in the west and north of England. About
Bristol it has been constantly observed since the days of Ray.
In Oxfordshire and even in Norfolk, it is sometimes seen on
old churches or castles. It is found in fructification at all seasons,
when situated in shady or moist places. We have
preserved it for several years in a garden.
The root is perennial, furnished with many very black fibres.
Fronds numerous, from 4 to 8 inches high, spreading, lanceolate,
deeply cut into numerous alternate, entire, blunt, regular
lobes; smooth and dark green above, not shining; densely
covered beneath with membranous, lanceolate, reticulated,
serrated, shining, rusty-coloured scales, which give this fern
a very peculiar and striking appearance. The lines of capsules
are numerous, bordered on each side by an entire involucrum,
which however is so much concealed by the scales, as not to
be discoverable without great care. The stalk of the frond is
black and shining, more or less scaly.