On September 2, 1978, we observed a few plants of Cyrtomium fortunei J. Smith in the labyrinth of ravines of the Tunica Hills region 2 miles northwest of Weyanoke, in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana (Israel in 1979, LSU). A second population of approximately 80 plants was discovered on September 10, about three miles from the first location in deep ravines on Ouida Irondale Road 4 miles east from La-66 (Landry 78574, LSU, MICH). During the exploration of ravines on September 17 in Wilkinson County, Mississippi, which is due north of West Feliciana Parish, a single plant of C. fortunei was observed growing at a waterfall on Clark Creek, north of the settlement of Pond (Landry 78593, LSU). Following these discoveries, we found that C. fortunei had been collected by Dr. R. Dale Thomas, 3 miles North of Tunica, Louisiana in October, 1974 (Thomas 42096, NLU, LSU). The collection was identified by Dr. A. Murray Evans. The discovery of this fern represents a new addition to the presently known floras of Louisiana (Thieret, 1972) and Mississippi (Evans, 1978). Cyrtomium fortunei is characterized by a short, erect rhizome covered with dark, lanceolate to ovate, acuminate scales. The fronds are pinnate with 23 or more pairs of lanceolate, dull green pinnae having a prominent, darkened midvein. Cyrtomium fortunei is easily recognized by its papyraceous fronds and minutely serrate pinnae, as opposed to the commonly cultivated C. falcatum Presl, which has coriaceous fronds with entire, glossy pinnae. Nearly all stages of reproduction were observed in the populations of C. fortunei. The largest plants were 75-90 cm high and had all fertile fronds. But plants 30 cm or less high also had some fertile fronds. Profuse reproduction was evident from the large number of sporelings having two or three fronds. The largest plants were predominantly on the upper sides of the ravines, whereas the smallest were confined to the ravine bottoms. The Tunica Hills region is characterized by hills with loess deposits ranging from 1 to 60 m thick. Elevations in the area vary from 60 to more than 90 m above sea level. The hills are highly eroded by streams, and form narrow ridge tops with correspondingly steep to vertical slopes ending in ravines. The vegetation is classified as a mixed mesophytic forest association modified by Magnolia and other subtropical broadleaf species. In all locations, the associated species were Magnolia grandiflora, Fagus grandifolia, Ilex opaca, Cornusflorida, and Arundinaria gigantea. Other pteridophytes observed include Adiantum pedatum, Cystopteris fragilis, Athyrium pycnocarpon, A. thelypteroides, Polystichum acrostichoides, and Equisetum hyemale.