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Nephrodium (From nephros a kidney)

(from nephros, a kidney; referring to the shape of the spore-cases). ORD. Filices. Including Arthropteris (in part), Camptodium, Dryopteris, Lastrea, Pleocnemia, and Sagenia. A very large genus (about 300 species) of stove, greenhouse, or hardy Ferns, widely distributed, and including species which vary considerably in size, texture, cutting, and venation. Sori sub-globose, dorsal or terminal on the veinlets; involucre cordate-reniform, attached by the sinus. Generally speaking, Nephrodiums are of very easy cultivation, the stronger growing kinds thriving best in good loam, and the weaker ones in loam, leaf mould, and sand, or peat and loam. Several species are most desirable subjects for Wardian cases and for planting in the cool fernery. For general culture, &c., see Ferns. Except where otherwise stated, stove treatment is required.

N. abortivum (abortive). sti. tufted, 6in. to 12in. long, firm, erect. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 8in. broad; central pinnae 3in. to 4in. long, 5/8in. to 7/8in. broad, cut about one-third of the way down into close, entire, truncate lobes, 1/8in. broad; lower pinnae distant, and reduced suddenly to mere auricles. sori medial. Penang, Java, and Ceylon. N. abruptum (abrupt). A synonym of N. truncatum.

N. aemulum (rivalling).* Hay-scented Buckler Fern. sti. tufted, 1ft. long, densely scaly below. fronds lanceolate-deltoid, 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long, 6in. to 10in. broad, the lowest pinnae much the largest; lowest pinnules larger than the others, which are ovate-lanceolate, cut down to the rachis below into deeply pinnatifid lobes, with aristate teeth; under surface glandular. Involucre not gland-ciliated. Britain, Madeira, and Azores. A handsome hardy species, smelling like hay when dried. SYNS. N. foenisecii and Lastrea recurva.

N. albo-punctatum (white-spotted). rhiz. wide-creeping, scandent, scaly or naked. sti. naked, jointed. fronds 9in. to 12in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad; pinnae spreading, 2in. to 3in. long, 1/2in. broad, cut half down to the rachis or more into oblong, blunt, entires lobes. sori terminal on the veinlets, near the edge. Guinea, Natal, Fiji, &c. A very pretty and distinct species. SYN. Arthropteris albo-punctata.

N. amboinense (Amboynan). sti. tufted, 6in. to 8in. long, nearly naked. fronds 2ft. or more long, 8in. to 12in. broad; pinnae spreading, 3in. to 4in. long, 1/2in. to 5/8in. broad, cut about a quarter down into bluntish, slightly falcate lobes; lower pinnae shorter, and deflexed. sori in rows close to the midrib; capsules naked. Philippines, &c.

N. Arbuscula (little tree).* sti. tufted, 4in. to 8in. long. fronds 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long, 6in. to 8in. broad; pinnae close, numerous, 3in. to 4in. long, 3/8in. to 1/2in. broad, cut a quarter or less down into blunt lobes, several of the lower pairs short and distant. sori in close rows. Mascarene Islands, Ceylon, &c. SYN. N. Hookeri.

N. aristatum (awned). A synonym of N. Otaria.

N. articulatum (jointed). A synonym of N. pennigerum. N. catopteron (downwards-winged).* sti. 3ft. to 4ft. long, pubescent. fronds 4ft. to 6ft. long, 2ft. to 3ft. broad; lower pinnae 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long, oblong-lanceolate, with close, lanceolate pinnules, or sub-deltoid, with some of the pinnules of the lower side compound; segments oblong, bluntish, about 1/2in. long, 1/4in. broad, more or less deeply pinnatifid. sori copious; involucre firm. Cape Colony, &c. Greenhouse.

N. chrysolobum (golden-lobed). sti. tufted, 4in. to 6in. long, slender, villose, scaly below. fronds 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad; pinnae 1 1/2in. to 2in. long, 5/8in. broad, cut down nearly to the rachis into close, blunt, entire lobes, 1/8in. broad, the lowest pair deflexed and slightly stalked. sori near the apex. Brazil, &c., 1840. A very pretty species, but rarely seen in cultivation. SYN. Lastrea chrysoloba. N. cicutarium (Cicuta-like).* sti. 1ft. or more long. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, sub-deltoid, the apex deeply pinnated, with sinuated lanceolate lobes; below this, three to six pinnae on each side, the lowest sub-deltoid, deeply pinnatifid or pinnate below. sori rather large, in two rows near the main veins, on connected or free veinlets. Tropics of both hemispheres. SYN. Sagenia cicutaria.

N. cuspidatum (pointed).* sti. 1ft. or more long, naked, densely scaly at the base. fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad; pinnae 4in. to 6in. long, 1/2in. broad, the edge sharply inciso-serrated to a depth of from half to one line; involucre fugacious. North India, Ceylon.

N. cyatheoides (Cyathea-like).* sti. 1ft. to 2ft. long, naked. fronds 2ft to 3ft. long, 1ft. or more broad; pinnae close, spreading, 4in. to 6in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, the apex acuminate, the edge irregular, furnished with acute forward-pointing teeth to a depth of one or two lines, the lowest pair not shorter than the next. sori usually one on each veinlet, close to the main vein. Sandwich Islands and Sumatra. A very handsome but rare greenhouse species. (H. S. F. iv. 241A.) N. decompositum (decompound).* rhiz. wide-creeping. sti. 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long, scaly at base. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, ovate-lanceolate or deltoid; lower pinnae much the largest, deltoid, 4in. to 9in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, more or less deeply pinnatifid; segments unequal-sided, ovate-rhomboidal, deeply pinnatifid, with toothed lobes. sori rather large, placed midway between the midrib and edge. Australia to Fiji, 1825. A handsome greenhouse species. SYN. Lastrea decomposita.

N. d. glabellum (smoothish). fronds more finely cut than in the type, with more copious spinulose teeth, villose only on the rachis above, the surfaces glossy, and lobes not imbricated. A very desirable greenhouse form, having an abbreviated rhizome. SYN. Lastrea glabella.

N. decurrens (decurrent). rhiz. creeping. sti. narrowly winged, often nearly or quite to the base. fronds 2ft. to 4ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, cut down to a winged rachis into from four to eight pairs of sinuated linear-oblong pinnae, 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad, the lowest sometimes forked. sori large, in two regular rows between the principal veins. Tropical Asia, &c. SYN. Sagenia decurrens.

N. decursivo-pinnatum (decursive-pinnate).* sti. tufted, 3in. to 4in. long, scaly. fronds 1ft. or more long, 3in. to 4in. broad; pinnae linear, 1in. to 2in. long, 1/4in. broad, the edge more or less pinnatifid, the bases connected by a broad lobed wing, the lower one gradually reduced and sometimes distinct; involucre minute, fugacious. Japan, &c. Hardy.

N. deltoideum (deltoid).* sti. tufted, 3in. to 6in. long, densely scaly. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad; pinnae of the lower third or quarter suddenly dwarfed, the larger ones 2in. to 4in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, cut two-thirds of the way down into close entire lobes, two lines broad. sori nearer the edge than the midrib; involucre very fugacious. West Indies. A singular and beautiful species. SYN. Lastrea deltoidea. N. dissectum (dissected). sti. tufted, 1ft. or more long, rather slender. fronds 1ft. to 5ft. long, 1ft. to 3ft. broad, deltoid; lower pinnae varying from simply pinnatifid, with broad, blunt lobes, to 1ft. long, with similar pinnatifid pinnules, the centre usually uncut for a breadth of 1/4in. to 1/2in., and the uncut bluntish or acute ultimate divisions as broad. sori copious, generally submarginal. India, Ceylon, to Madagascar. SYNS. N. membrani-folium, Lastrea dissecta.

N. eriocarpum (woolly-spored). A synonym of N. odoratum. N. erythrosorum (red-sorused).* sti. tufted, 6in. to 9in. long, more or less densely scaly. fronds 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, ovate-lanceolate; pinnae lanceolate, the lowest the largest, 5in. to 6in. long, 1 1/2in. broad, cut down to the rachis below into oblong bluntish pinnules, 2in. or 3in. broad, the edge slightly, sometimes spinosely, toothed. sori in rows of six to nine to a pinnule, near the midrib; involucre half a line broad, flat, bright red when young. Japan and China. Hardy. SYN. Lastrea erythrosora. (H. S. F. iv. 253.) N. eusorum (large-sorused). A synonym of N. truncatum. N. extensum (extensive). sti. 1ft. to 2ft. long. fronds 2ft. to 4ft. long, 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. broad; pinnae 6in. to 9in. long, 5/8in. to 3/4in. broad, cut about two-thirds down to the rachis into linear-oblong lobes; lower pinnae scarcely shorter than the rest. sori in rows, nearly terminal in the veins, and not confined to the lobes. Ceylon, Philippines, &c. N. Filix-mas. Male Fern.* sti. tufted, 6in. or more long, more or less densely scaly. fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad; pinnae lanceolate, 4in. to 6in. long, 3/4in. to 1 1/4in. broad, cut down very nearly to the rachis into close, blunt, regular, sub-entire lobes, one and a-half to two lines broad, lower ones rather shorter than the others; involucre large, convex. Cosmopolitan. SYN. Lastrea Filix-mas. Of this very widely-distributed hardy species, the following are the more important varieties. N. F.-m. abbreviatum cristatum (short-crested). A charming miniature form, growing from 10in. to 1 1/2ft. high, with distant and crested pinnae. N. F.-m. acrocladon (branch-tipped). An elegant and distinct form, with fronds 1 3/4ft. or more long, ovate-lanceolate, deep rich green, and having the apex of each pinnae, as well as the top of the frond, profusely crested. N. F.-m. Bollandiae (Mrs. Bolland's). A handsome and distinct form, the fronds of which are from 1ft. to 1 3/4ft. long, 8in. or 9in. wide, thin, and remarkable for their width and undulate appearance.

N. F.-m. crispa (curled). A pretty variety for the Wardian case, having fronds about 9in. long, ovate-lanceolate, with the pinnae and pinnules crowded and imbricate.

N. F.-m. cristatum (crested).* A handsome variety, having fronds about 2ft. long and 10in. broad, frequently, however, exceeding these dimensions; pinnae shorter and narrower than in the type; apex of frond and each pinna beautifully tasselled or crested. There is a most desirable form of this variety known as angustatum, in which the fronds are only about 2 1/2in. wide. N. F.-m. furcans (forked). A fine and robust-growing variety, with fronds nearly 2ft. long, and the apex of each pinna forked. N. F.-m. grandiceps (large-crested). A lovely plant, having fronds the same length and breadth as the type, but with the apex densely racemose and crested; pinnules frequently forked.

N. F.-m. Pinderi (Pinder's). A well-marked variety, with linear-lanceolate, erect, fronds, which are from 2ft. to 3ft. in length. N. F.-m. polydactyla (many-fingered). A handsome and graceful plant, with fronds from 1ft. to 2ft. long, having the apex of each pinna, and also of the frond, terminated by a very pretty tuft or crest.

N. F.-m. pumila (dwarf). An elegant little variety, with rich dark green fronds, and pinnatifid, obtuse pinnae. A pretty plant for Wardian cases. N. F.-m. Schofieldii (Schofield's). A rare and pretty little variety, having fronds 4in. long and 1/2in. broad, and with forked or crested apices. N. floridanum (Floridan).* sti. 6in. or more long, with a few scales. fronds 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, oblong-lanceolate; fertile pinnae confined to the upper half, close, lanceolate, 3in. to 4in. long, 1in. to 1 1/4in. broad, cut down to a narrowly-winged rachis into oblong, slightly crenated, blunt pinnules, with their own breadth between them, and two rows of sori reaching from the midrib nearly to the edge; barren pinnae broader, the lower ones rather reduced, and sub-deltoid, all not so deeply cut, and the pinnules close. South United States. Hardy.

N. foenisecii (haymaking-time). A synonym of N. aemulum. N. fragrans (fragrant).* sti. densely tufted, very short, scaly. fronds 6in. to 9in. long, 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad, oblong-lanceolate; pinnae 3/4in. long, 1/4in. to 3/8in. broad, cut down nearly to the rachis below into oblong lobes, which are again toothed or pinnatifid; lower pinnae reduced gradually. sori in the lower part of the pinnules; involucre very large and membranous. Caucasus and Arctic America, &c., 1820. Hardy.

N. funestum (deadly). A synonym of N. subquinquefidum. N. glandulosum (glandular).* sti. smooth, but slightly scaly when young. fronds glabrous, pinnate, 2ft. to 3ft. long; pinnae distant, ovate-lanceolate, shortly petiolate, sub-cordate at base, and crenate at margin; lower ones almost opposite, upper ones alternate. sori small, reniform. India, &c. N. Goldieanum (Goldie's).* sti. tufted, 1ft. long, scaly below. fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, ovate-deltoid; lower pinnae 6in. to 9in. long, 2in. broad, cut down nearly to the rachis into linear-lanceolate, sub-falcate, slightly-toothed lobes. sori in rows near the midrib. North America. Hardy. N. hirsutum (hairy), of Don. A synonym of N. odoratum. N. hirtipes (hairy-stalked). sti. tufted, 1ft. or more long, densely scaly. fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long, 8in. to 16in. broad; pinnae 4in. to 8in. long, about 3/4in. broad, with broad blunt lobes reaching from a quarter to a third down, lower ones not reduced. sori medial. Himalayas, &c. A hardy species, in general habit resembling N. Filix-mas. (H. S. F. iv. 249.) N. hispidum (hispid).* rhiz. stout, creeping. sti. 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long, densely scaly. fronds 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, sub-deltoid; pinnae lanceolate, the lowest deltoid; lowest pinnules larger than the others, which are lanceolate, with lanceolate segments cut down to a winged rachis into small, oblong or linear, sharply-toothed lobes. sori copious. New Zealand, &c. A very handsome little greenhouse species. N. Hookeri (Hooker's). A synonym of N. Arbuscula.

N. Hudsonianum (Hudson's). A synonym of N. truncatum. N. inaequale (unequal).* sti. 1ft. or more long, with a dense tuft of reddish-brown scales at the base. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, ovate-deltoid; lower pinnae rather shorter and broader than the next, which are 6in. to 8in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, cut down nearly to the rachis into oblong spinose-serrated segments. sori in two rows near the midrib; involucre firm, naked. Cape Colony and Natal. Greenhouse. N. intermedium (intermediate). sti. 1ft. to 2ft. long, densely fibrillose at the base. fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. broad, sub-deltoid; lower pinnae lanceolate, often 1ft. long, 4in. to 5in. broad; pinnules close, lanceolate, having distinct oblong-lanceolate segments, with ligulate sub-entire lobes, about one 1in. broad. sori small, copious, nearer the midrib than the edge; involucre thin, fugacious. North India, Japan, &c. Greenhouse. N. invisum (unseen). rhiz. stout, wide-creeping. sti. 1ft. or more long, stout, villose. fronds 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad; pinnae numerous, 4in. or 5in. long, 1/2in. broad, cut about one-third down into sharp, triangular, falcate lobes; lower pinnae distant and dwarfed. sori in rows close to the midrib; capsules setose. Polynesian Islands, 1830. SYN. Lastrea invisa.

N. Kaulfussii (Kaulfuss's). sti. tufted, 4in. to 6in. long, slender, slightly pubescent. fronds 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, oblong-lanceolate; pinnae 3in. to 4in. long, 1/2in. to 5/8in. broad, cut down nearly to the rachis into spreading, entire, blunt lobes, two lines broad, the lower ones not enlarged, and the lower pinnae dwindling down gradually. sori medial; involucre fugacious. West Indies to Brazil.

N. Leuzeanum (Leuze's).* cau. sub-arborescent, densely scaly at the crown. sti. 2ft. to 3ft. long, stout, striated. fronds 4ft. to 6ft. long, sub-deltoid; pinnae 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, simple, or the lowest with two or three large pinnated pinnules from the lower side; segments 3in. to 4in. long, 3/4in. to 1 1/4in. broad, with oblong, sub-falcate, entire, or sinuated lobes reaching down to a broadly-winged rachis. sori copious, usually in close single rows in the lobes. North India to Fiji, 1874. SYN. Pleocnemia Leuzeana.

N. marginale (marginal-spored). sti. tufted, 6in. to 12in. long, with large concolorous scales at the base. fronds 18in. to 24in. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, bipinnate; pinnae 3in. to 4in. long, 1in. to 1 1/2in. broad; pinnules ovate-oblong, blunt, nearly entire. sori marginal. North America, 1772. Hardy.

N. membranifolium (membranous-fronded). A synonym of N. dissectum. N. molle (soft).* sti. tufted, 1ft. or more long, rather slender, hairy. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad; pinnae spreading, 4in. to 6in. long, 3/4in. broad, cut about half-way down to the midrib into scarcely falcate, blunt lobes; the lower pinnae distant, and rather shorter than the others. sori distant from the midrib; capsules naked. Tropics, 1820. A well-known and very variable species, of which the following are varieties: N. m. corymbiferum (corymb-bearing).* A most interesting and desirable plant, erect in habit, producing branched fronds, 1ft. to 2ft. long; the top of each frond or branch has a large crest or corymb, and the ends of the pinnae are similarly furnished, but on a smaller scale.

N. m. grandiceps (large-crested). A garden variety, with a large terminal crest, and the pinnae also conspicuously crested.

N. montanum (mountain). Mountain Buckler Fern. sti. short, tufted. fronds 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 8in. broad; pinnae 3in. to 4in. long, 1in. broad at the base, cut down to a broadly-winged rachis into close, blunt, oblong lobes; lower pinnae distant, and gradually dwarfed down to mere auricles. sori in rows near the edge. Europe (Britain), &c. SYN. Lastrea montana. The following are the more important varieties of this hardy species: N. m. cristata (crested).* A rare and beautiful fragrant variety, in which the fronds are nearly as large as those of the type, but with the apex very finely crested or tasselled; the tips of the pinnae are similarly furnished, but on a smaller scale.

N. m. Nowelliana (Nowell's). A very distinct variety, having the fronds from 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long, and 4in. or 5in. in width, pinnate, with narrow pinnae, and the lobes much abbreviated and erose.

N. m. truncata (truncated). A very curious and rare form, with praemorse pinnae.

N. noveboracense (New York). rhiz. slender, wide-creeping. sti. 1ft. long, stramineous. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad; pinnae spreading, 2in. to 3in. long, 1/2in. broad, cut down very nearly to the rachis into linear-oblong lobes, those of the barren frond the broadest; lower pinnae small, deflexed. sori soon confluent, in the rows near the flat edge. North America, 1812. Hardy.

N. odoratum (fragrant). sti. 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long, densely scaly at the base. fronds 9in. to 18in. long, deltoid; lowest pinnae much the largest, deltoid, 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, often imbricated, with ovate or oblong pinnatifid segments, with blunt rounded lobes. sori copious. Involucres large, pale, villous. Tropical Asia, &c. SYNS. N. eriocarpum and N. hirsutum.

N. Otaria (Otaria). sti. 6in. to 12in. long. fronds 1ft. or more long, with a linear-oblong terminal pinna, 4in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1 1/2in. broad, the apex acuminate, the margin with finely serrated lanceolate lobes reaching a quarter or a third of the way down, and from three to six distant spreading similar lateral ones on each side, the lower ones stalked. sori one on each veinlet. Philippines, &c. SYN. N. aristatum. (H. S. F. iv. 238.) N. pallidivenium (pale-veined). sti. 1ft. or more long, naked or nearly so. fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad; pinnae 4in. to 6in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, cut two-thirds of the way down to the rachis into linear-oblong, slightly falcate lobes; lower pinnae not much smaller than the rest. sori small, in close rows about midway between the midrib and edge. Guinea Coast.

N. palustre (marsh-loving). sti. 1ft. or more long, naked. fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad; pinnae close, erecto-patent, 4in. to 6in. long, 3/4in. broad, cut down nearly to the rachis into linear oblong, entire, slightly falcate lobes, 1/8in. broad. sori filling up the greater part of the space between midrib and edge; in volucre small, ciliated. Brazil. N. patens (spreading).* rhiz. oblique. sti. 1ft. or more long, naked or slightly pubescent. fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad; pinnae 4in. to 9in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, cut down about three-quarters of the space to the rachis into linear-oblong, subfalcate lobes. sori nearer the edge than the midrib. Involucre persistent. Tropics, &c. A distinct and strong-growing species.

N. p. cristatum (crested). A garden form, with the pinnae curiously forked and crested.

N. pennigerum (winged). sti. tufted, stout, 8in. to 12in. long, villose. fronds 2ft. to 4ft. long, 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. broad; pinnae numerous, spreading, 6in. to 9in. long, 1in. to 1 1/2in. broad, the apex acuminate, the edge cut above a quarter of the way down to the midrib into oblong, falcate lobes, the lower pinnae dwarfed and distant. sori medial; capsules setose. Himalayas, &c. SYN. N. articulatum.

N. podophyllum (footstalk-fronded). sti. tufted, 1ft. long, naked upwards. fronds 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad; pinnae four to eight on each side, erecto-patent, 4in. to 6in. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, the edge nearly entire, or with shallow, broad, blunt lobes; veins pinnate in the lobes, having two to four veinlets on a side, with sometimes a sorus on each, distant from the main vein. Japan and Hong Kong. Greenhouse, or nearly hardy. N. pteroides (pteris-like).* sti. 1ft. to 2ft. long, slender, slightly scaly below. fronds 2ft. to 4ft. long, 1ft. or more broad; pinnae spreading, 4in. to 8in. long, 3/4in. broad, the apex acuminate, the edge cut one-third or half-way down into oblong or subtriangular lobes. sori quite marginal, and confined to the lobes. Tropical Asia, &c. A distinct and handsome species. N. pubescens (downy). sti. 6in. to 18in. long, slender, villose. fronds 6in. to 18in. long, deltoid; lower pinnae much the largest; pinnules lanceolate; lower segments usually free, oblong-rhomboidal, unequal-sided. sori small, distant from the midrib. West Indies. SYN. Phegopteris villosa. N. purpurascens (purplish). A synonym of N. sparsum. N. Raddianum (Raddi's). A synonym of N. vestitum.

N. refractum (curved-back). sti. tufted, 1ft. long. fronds 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad; pinnae growing gradually less from near the bottom to the top, the lower ones deflexed, 4in. to 5in. long, 3/4in. broad, the lowest pairs very much so; lobes broad and blunt, reaching about a quarter of the way down to the midrib. sori medial; involucre minute, fugacious. Brazil. (H. S. F. iv. 252.) N. Richardsi (Richards's). fronds oblong-lanceolate, bipinnatifid, 1 1/4ft. to 1 1/2ft. long, 8in. to 9in. broad; pinnae moderately close, patent, ligulate-caudate, 3/4in. broad, cut down to a narrow wing into close, ligulate, slightly repand, blunt lobes, one line broad; lowest pinnae not reduced, their lowest lobes on both sides slightly so. sori medial; involucre firm, persistent, slightly pilose. New Caledonia. Greenhouse. SYN. Lastrea Richardsi.

N. rigidum (rigid).* sti. tufted, 6in. long, densely scaly below. fronds 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, oblong-lanceolate; largest pinnae 2in. to 3in. long, 1in. to 1 1/2in. broad, the pinnules of the lower half free, ovate-rhomboidal, cut down nearly to the rachis below. sori close to the midrib; involucre firm, prominent, fringed with glands. Europe (Britain), Asia Minor, North America. Hardy.

N. sanctum (sacred). sti. densely tufted, slender, 2in. to 3in. long, naked upwards. fronds 6in. to 9in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad. lanceolate; pinnae distant, 1/2in. to 1in. long, 1 1/2in. to 3in. broad, the point bluntish, the edge more or less deeply pinnatifid; the lobes sometimes close and linear-oblong, sometimes distinct, linear or spathulate. sori minute; involucre very fugacious. West Indies, &c. SYN. Lastrea sancta. N. Sieboldii (Siebold's).* cau. tufted, scaly. sti. 6in. to 12in. long, scaly below. fronds with an entire or slightly toothed, lanceolate-oblong, terminal pinna, 8in. to 12in. long, and 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad, and from two to four similar ones on each side, the lowest shortly stalked. sori large, copious, scattered. Japan. Greenhouse, or nearly hardy. SYN. Pycnopteris Sieboldii. N. sophoroides (Sophora-like). sti. 1ft. or more long, slender, pubescent. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad; pinnae spreading, 4in. to 6in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, apex acuminate, the edge cut one-third the way down into oblong-triangular, subfalcate lobes. Japan, &c. Greenhouse. N. sparsum (scattered). sti. tufted, 6in. to 12in. long, scaly only at base. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, ovate-lanceolate; lowest pinnae the largest, 4in. to 6in. long, 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad; lowest pinnules sometimes compound, the others lanceolate, unequal-sided, pinnatifid, with oblong, blunt lobes. sori usually one to each lobe, near the midrib; involucre naked, flat, one line broad. North India to Mauritius. A noble greenhouse species. SYN. N. purpurascens. (H. S. F. iv. 262.) N. spinulosum (rather spiny).* sti. tufted, about 1ft. long, scaly. fronds 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, oblong-lanceolate; lower pinnae sub-deltoid, 3in. to 4in. long, 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad, the lowest pair about equal to the next; pinnules ovate-lanceolate, the largest about 1in. long, 1/2in. broad, cut down to the rachis below into close oblong lobes, with copious aristate teeth; involucre not gland-ciliated. Europe (Britain), Africa, North-east Asia, and North America. Hardy. The following are the most important varieties:

N. s. dilatatum (enlarged-crested).* Scales denser and narrower than those of the type, dark brown in the centre. fronds ovate-lanceolate or sub-deltoid, larger and more deeply cut, the colour darker, the pinnae closer, and the under surface often finely glandular; involucre gland-ciliated. SYN. Lastrea dilatata.

N. s. lepidota (scaly). Rachises chestnut-brown, scaly. fronds sub-deltoid; lower pinnae deltoid, 5in. to 6in. each way; lowest pinnules much the largest, often 3in. long, 2in. broad; its segments cut down to the rachis below, and with lobes again deeply pinnatifid.

N. s. remotum (remote). fronds oblong-lanceolate, about 2ft. long, 6in. broad; pinnae lanceolate, close; pinnules ovate-oblong, only the lowest free, the largest about 1in. long, 1/2in. broad, cut half-way down to the rachis or more; spinulose teeth few; under side and involucre not glandular. Mr. B. S. Williams describes the following varieties as forms of Lastrea dilatata: angustipinnula, a pretty and distinct form, having fronds about 1 3/4ft. long and 9in. wide, with somewhat distant pinnae and very irregular pinnules. Chanteriae, a distinct form, with bi-pinnate lanceolate fronds, 1ft. to 2ft. long, and 8in. to 9in. wide, diminishing towards the apex; pinnae distant; pinnules very obtuse and dentate. dumetorum, a very desirable plant, the fronds of which have a peculiar undulating surface, and rarely exceed 1ft. in length. Stansfieldii, a very beautiful subject, with fronds 6in. to 12in. long and 4in. broad, ovate-lanceolate; pinnae obtuse; pinnules deeply serrated on the margins, and curled.

N. subquinquefidum (somewhat five-cut). sti. 1ft. or more long, firm. fronds 6in. to 18in. each way; lower pinnae much the largest, with the pinnules on the lower side much larger than the others, which are from 1in. to 3in. broad, often cut down nearly to the rachis below into broad, oblong lobes. sori medial. West Indies to Brazil, tropical Africa. SYNS. N. funestum (H. S. F. iv. 259), N. Vogelli, and Lastrea pilosissima.

N. Thelypteris (Thelypteris). rhiz. slender, wide-creeping. sti. about 1ft. long, slender. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad; pinnae spreading, 2in. to 3in. long, 1/2in. broad, cut down very nearly to the rachis into entire, spreading, linear-oblong lobes, those of the barren frond the broadest; lower pinnae equalling the others. sori small, not confluent, in rows near the recurved edge. Europe (Britain), Asia, Africa, North America, New Zealand, &c. A very distinct hardy species.

N. truncatum (truncate). sti. tufted, stout, erect, 2ft. long, naked or slightly villose. fronds 2ft. to 4ft. long, 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. broad; pinnae 6in. to 9in. long, 1in. broad, cut down one-third or more of the distance to the rachis into blunt, spreading, oblong lobes; lower pinnae small. sori one on each veinlet, near the main vein. North India, Australia, &c., 1869. A very fine but rare greenhouse species. SYNS. N. abruptum (H. S. F. iv. 241B), N. eusorum, and N. Hudsonianum.

N. unitum (joined). sti. 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long, naked. fronds 2ft. or more long, 6in. to 8in. broad; pinnae 4in. to 5in. long, 1/2in. broad, the edge cut from one-third to half-way down into spreading, triangular, sharp-pointed lobes; lower pinnae not dwindling down. sori near the extremity, principally in the lobes; capsules naked. Florida and West Indies, to Brazil, &c. A fine, tall-growing species.

N. venulosum (veined). sti. 1 1/2ft. long, naked, greyish, sharply angled. fronds 4ft. long, 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. broad; pinnae numerous, the lowest short and very distant, the largest 8in. to 9in. long, 1in. broad, cut down half-way to the rachis into slightly-toothed, oblong lobes; veins about nine on each side, conspicuous above, with a sorus on each midway to the edge. Fernando Po. N. venustum (charming).* sti. tufted, 1ft. or more long, naked. fronds 2ft. or more long, 1ft. broad; pinnae numerous, spreading, 6in. long, 1in. broad, with blunt, oblong lobes, reaching half-way down. sori principally in the lobes, close to the edge. Jamaica. A handsome species. (G. C. 1855, 677.) N. vestitum (clothed).* sti. 6in. to 12in. long, stout, densely scaly. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 10in. broad; pinnae 3in. to 5in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, cut down to a narrowly-winged rachis into blunt, entire, falcate lobes, two lines broad. sori close to the midrib. South Brazil. A handsome species. SYNS. N. Raddianum and Lastrea vestita.

N. villosum (villose).* sti. tufted, 2ft. to 3ft. or more long, stout, usually villose and densely scaly. fronds 4ft. to 6ft. or more long, 2ft. to 3ft. or more broad; pinnae often 2ft. long, 1ft. broad; pinnules lanceolate, cut down to the rachis into close, oblong, pinnatifid segments; largest entire lobes 3/4in. long, 1/8in. broad. sori copious; involucre flat, half a line broad, often suppressed. West Indies, to Peru and Chili, 1793. A fine species. (H. S. F. iv. 264.) N. Vogelli (Vogel's). A synonym of N. subquinquefidum.