Vittaria
(from vitta, a riband; alluding to the narrow fronds). Including Toeniopsis. ORD. Filices. A genus comprising about thirteen species of tropical, stove Ferns. Fronds grass-like, sub-coriaceous, with free veins. Sori in continuous marginal or slightly intra-marginal lines. The species known in gardens are here described. For general culture, see Ferns. V. elongata (lengthened). fronds 6in. to 18in. long, 1/8in. to 1/4in. broad, the point acute or rather blunt, the lower part very gradually narrowed to the base; midrib faint or distinct; veins simple, immersed. sori quite sunk in a marginal groove, with two nearly equal lips opening outwards. Himalayas, Australia, &c. SYNS. V. ensiformis, V. zosteraefolia. V. ensiformis (sword-shaped). A synonym of V. elongata. V. lineata (lined). Florida Ribbon Fern. fronds 6in. to 18in. long, 1/8in. to 3/8in. broad, gradually narrowed downwards to a stout, compressed stem which passes gradually into the frond, the edges often reflexed; midrib distinct, raised; veins immersed, parallel. sori in a broad, slightly intra-marginal line in a slight furrow, the edge of the frond at first wrapped over it. West Indies, Guinea Coast, &c., 1793. SYN. Taeniopsis lineata. V. scolopendrina (Scolopendrium-like). fronds 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, the point acute, the edge entire, the lower part very gradually narrowed to the base; midrib blackish, thick, grooved in front below; veins oblique, fine, parallel. sori in broad, continuous, sub-marginal lines, the firm, unaltered edge of the frond at first wrapped over it. New Guinea, Ceylon, &c. SYN. Taeniopsis scolopendrina.
V. zosteraefolia (Zostera-fronded). A synonym of V. elongata.