Cryptogramme
(from kryptos, hidden, and gramme, writing; in allusion to the concealed sori). Mountain Parsley Fern; Rock-Brake. ORD. Filices. A monotypic genus of hardy Ferns; the only species, although comparatively rare and local, is frequently found in stony situations in the North of England and Wales. Sterile and fertile fronds usually different from the same root; Sori terminal on the veins, at first separate, sub-globose, afterwards confluent, the continuous involucre formed of the changed margin of the frond, rolled over them till full maturity. It is of easy culture in pots or Wardian cases, but requires perfect drainage. Allosorus, formerly regularly used for the name of this genus, and even at present regarded as such in some books, is now restricted to a section of the genus Pellaea. See also Ferns. C. crispa (crisped).* sti. tufted, slightly scaly towards the base. fronds 2in. to 4in. long, 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad, oblong, tri-or quadripinnate; ultimate segments of the barren frond obovate-cuneate, deeply pinnatifid, those of the fertile frond pod-shaped, 3/8in. to 1/4in. long. Arctic and North temperate regions (Great Britain) SYN. Allosorus crispus. C. c. acrostichoides (Acrostichum-like).* Habit larger and stronger than in type; barren segments thicker in texture, more prominently veined, and not so deeply cut; fertile ones 3/8in. to 1/2in. long, one line broad; involucre spreading when mature. Northwest America.
C. c. Brunoniana (Brown's). Habit of type, but the fertile segments oblong, about three lines long, one line broad, with the involucre spreading in the mature plant, and a space left free from fruit in the centre.