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PARAHAKI BUSH. WHANGARKI

NEW ZEALAND FERNS

H. B. DOBBIE

PHOTOGRAPHS BY F. W. BIRCH

( Second Edition , Revised and Greatly Enlarged )

LIBRARY
NEW YORK
BOTANICAL
GARDEN

WHITCOMBE & TOMBS LIMITED

AUCKLAND, CHRISTCHURCH, DUNEDIN & WELLINGTON, N.Z.
MELBOURNE & LONDON
1921

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library

NEW YORK
BOTANICAL

garden

New Zealand Ferns

A TRIBUTE to the ferns of New Zealand in the
form of a popular illustrated description may
Lnot come amiss during the Great War, that
titanic conflict in which our soldiers have borne the
National Emblem with honour round the world. The
enemies of the British Empire have been taught to
fear, the Allies to respect, the down-trodden peoples to
hail as deliverers, those vigorous young battalions bear-
ing as their badge the fern-leaf of New Zealand.

There can have been no hesitation in choosing the
fern as the national plant; it is questionable if ferns
formed so large a proportion of the vegetation in any
other country as they did in New Zealand before the
advent of the white man. Even now there are thousands
upon thousands of acres monopolised by the bracken;
groves upon groves of tree-ferns in the sequestered
glades of our forests, on river banks and hillsides; mile
upon mile of roads, and gullies innumerable bordered
with the palm-like fronds of Lomaria ; millions of tree
trunks decked and festooned from root to summit with
the most beautiful forms imaginable; square miles of
the moist Westland forests carpeted with the trans-
lucent cups of the kidney fern. It is the same story
from one end of the Dominion to the other — ferns
everywhere ; on surf - beaten rocks, rolling downs,
swamps, hungry clay land that will hardly support a
blade of grass, shady forests where they revel in the
greatest luxuriance, mountain tops up to the snow line,
upon lava flows — even the black cinder slopes of Rangi-
toto.

New Zealand Ferns

To a newcomer the variety and abundance of the ferns
is simply bewildering. Noble tree-ferns raising their
feathered tops high above the bushes until a hillside
when viewed from a distance appears to be clothed with
nothing else. Tree trunks adorned with pellucid fronds
that give an indescribable luxuriance to the scene;
drooping species of Asplenium hanging from the forks
of great trees; broad glistening leaves that brighten the
gloom of a shady dell ; fronds of pure tender green ris-
ing from the ground in graceful curves to the height of
a man; the sides and summits of grey weather-beaten
rocks made beautiful with masses of shining Polypod-
ium; acre upon acre of the sweet-scented Pteris; banks
of trembling maidenhair. Their beauties are endless. One
could fill a volume and still not describe a tithe of
Nature’s prodigality.

SPECIES

The study of botany as a science is comparatively
modern, dating, practically from the time of Linnaeus,
who introduced his initial reform in the year 1736.
He was the first to attempt a classification of the ferns,
of which he enumerated 190 species, using as a guide to
his genera the outward appearances of the plants, a plan
which naturally led to some confusion. Dr. Swartz, in
1806, increased the number of species to 700, Sprengel
to 1,309 in 1836, and Sir William Hooker to 2,400 in
1846. At the present day there are not less than 3,500.

If Linnaeus got into difficulties with the classification
of 190 species, the attempt to classify 3,500 on the same
system would have ended in chaos. Some more reliable
guide than the shape of the plant had to be discovered.
It was found in the seeds and their receptacles and in
their position on the veins. Hooker and Baker’s “Syn-
opsis Filicum” divided the species into 75 genera, 31 of
which are represented in New Zealand. But even the
present system is not quite perfect, as can be shown by
the genus Polypodiuni — many footed, in allusion to the
number of rootlets by which some of the species hold on

New Zealand Ferns

to the rocks and trees up which they climb. The seeds
of the common Polypody of Europe are placed on the
back of the frond in roundish masses without any pro-
tective covering — indusium, as the botanists call it.
Therefore all ferns bearing such seeds are classed as
P olyp odium, though a large number of them have but
a single tufted root, and do not climb. Consequently it
must be borne in mind that the name Polypodium doe-s
not necessarily imply a many-footed plant, but one that
bears naked, roundish seeds.

Mr. John Smith, for many years curator of Ivew Gar-
dens, suggested a system based on the growth of ferns,
but he found few followers, and Hooker’s system is
the one generally adopted in the British Empire and
America.

Before the advent of Darwin’s theory of the “Origin
of Species,” most botanists believed that each species
was a separate creation and immutable, entitled there-
fore, to a separate name. This led to frequent misun-
derstandings about the intermediate forms that connect
some of the species with each other, a difficulty which
Darwin’s theory explains, though it does not make the
classification any easier. To be told that plants are
always producing varieties, and that if any of these are
profitable to the plant, that one will have a better chance
of surviving, seems to make a hard and fast division
only more difficult.

To take a concrete example. Pellaca falcata and P.
rotundifolia are to be found near Auckland, growing
together in the same locality, though rotundifolia is far
the more abundant plant. Typical specimens of the two
are very different from each other, yet there are a num-
ber of gradations which connect them. Which is the or-
iginal type? One might say falcata , it is being left behind
and slowly exterminated in the struggle for existence by
the more prolific rotundifolia, which also explains its
rarity. Yet, how do we know that falcata is not the new
type, which in course of time will swamp the other? Or
the original form may be midway between the two.

New Zealand Ferns

To paraphrase Darwin, we are so profoundly ignor-
ant of the plants living round us, that no one can tell
why one species spreads and is numerous, and another
has a narrow range and is rare.

Take that most puzzling genus Asplenium. One could
not have more divergent-looking species than A. bulbi-
fcnnn and A. flaccidum; the one terrestrial, viviparous,
with a broad succulent frond; the other epiphytic, gen-
erally non-viviparous, with narrow tough fronds. Yet
they are connected with each other by a series of inter-
mediate forms.

One is forced to Darwin’s conclusion that the term
species is arbitrarily given for the sake of convenience.
The manner of bearing seeds in Asplenium gives us a
convenient and easily-recognised guide to a large group
of ferns. The collector must not expect every rarity he
finds to be a new species or even a new variety; it may
be only one of the puzzling connecting links.

No doubt locality has something to do with the diver-
gent forms. I remember spending a day on the Moro-tiri
Islands; the leaves of all the trees had a slightly different
appearance from those on the mainland. There seems a
probability that Asplenium lucidum and A. obtusatum
— the roots of one luxuriating in the rich vegetable
mould of the shady forest, the other existing precari-
ously on storm-beaten cliffs near the sea — are really the
same species growing in different environments, though
it is not likely that they could be brought together again.
The stunted, dwarfed obtusatum must have existed in
its present habitat for such countless ages that it would
possibly take as long' a period to re-develop and re-ex-
pand its growth to the extent of A. lucidum.

Botanists, who are by no means at one on the question
of species, may be divided into two camps — what might
be called Liberals and Conservatives — those who would
increase the number of genera and species, and those
who would reduce them. Until the advent of Hooker the
Liberals held the field ; the number of varieties recorded

New Zealand Ferns

was appalling. In his “British Ferns,” Thos. Moore de-
scribes 44 species and no less than 462 varieties! Since
the publication of his book in 1875 the pendulum has
swung the other way — botanists have become more con-
servative.

No doubt a man of world-wide experience like Dr.
Hooker; who had access to the great British herbarium
at Ivew numbering 50,000 specimens, would be inclined
to lump together a number of examples from different
countries; whereas the local collector, from his narrower
outlook, would separate them.

I am inclined to think some of the New Zealand bot-
anists err on the conservative side. Bearing in mind
Darwin's conclusion that the term species is arbitrarily
given for the sake of convenience, not because all fulfil
the character implied by the name, a genus of ferns has
been given the name of Poly podium, though a large
number of them are not many-footed.

Some argue that if two species are connected by a
series of intermediates they should be classed as one and
the same species. That is to say, they should be differ-
ently treated from two other species where the interme-
diates have disappeared. This seems to be harking back
to the original creation theory. What we require is a
convenient division of the genus into certain easily
recognised groups.

Ptcris macilenta, Var. pendula, and P. comans have
a strong family likeness to one another, but are suffi-
ciently distinct to be easily recognised ; to class them as
one species would lead only to confusion. Indeed, a fur-
ther division of P. macilenta might be of advantage to
collectors. The two specimens illustrated on pages 173
and 175 have well-marked and very constant features,
which they maintain even when growing side by side
under cultivation. In the same way, I believe, as the
numbers of observers increase and ferns are more care-
fully studied, the time will come when some of the step-
ping stones between the species of Asplenium will be
classed as distinct varieties, if not species.

New Zealand Ferns

The variation of species must be an extremely slow
operation in nature. If the plants on a certain area have
been striving for a “better place in the sun” for millions
and millions of years, every conceivable form of varia-
tion must have been exhausted many times over. It is
only when something extraordinary happens to upset
the balance of Nature that the change is visible to the
human eye; for example, the introduction of the furze
bush into New Zealand.

The other day I was exploring one of the few wild
places near Auckland. Every step over the rough scoria
rocks brought before my eyes some fresh beauty — a pile
of hoary slabs grey with lichen, decked with the radiat-
ing fronds of Pcllaca rotundifolia, the chinks giving
shelter to tender sprays of Asplenium flabellifolium;
bunches of Astelia beneath which peeped handsome
fronds of Asplenium falcatum; an aged ngaio tree re-
newing its youthful appearance with a gay cloak of
Polypodium serpens; miniature forests of Cheilanthes
Sicberi, their trim fronds as straight as pine trees.

Then I encountered a thicket of furze pushing its way
ruthlessly over everything, choking and smothering each
native plant that came in its path. Climbing a wall to
gain the road, I entered a land of desolation — black
earth, black rocks, black furze stumps; not a sign of the
delicate trailing ferns, the climbing polypodium, the grey
lichen; not a green blade to be seen! This was a visible
change with a vengeance; the beautiful native flora
utterly killed by the prickly alien, which would come up
all the thicker for having been burnt — a veritable Hun
in Arcadia!

To lighten this gloomy picture of the march of “pro-
gress” (?) I will give an example of retrocession. In
1878 I was stationed at Picton. The sweet-smelling
musk from some garden had run wild over a large area
of swamp land skirted by the railway line. Not only was
the surface of the swamp yellow with flowers, but the
scent was quite noticeable on the train as one went bv.

New Zealand Ferns

Twenty years later I was again in Picton. Remember-
ing my former experience, I looked out for the musk — •
it was gone! Only after a careful search along the edge
of the swamp did I find a solitary plant — and there had
formerly been hundreds of acres !

NOMENCLATURE

Several attempts have been made to find popular
names for the New Zealand ferns. Mr. T. W. Potts
went into the question whole-heartedly. No matter how
uncouth or crabbed the scientific names, he roped them
all in. Gleichenia became “Tangle-fern”; Asplenium
flaccidum, “Planging-tree Spleenwort” (I prefer Miss
Pules’ “Feeble Spleenwort”) ; Nephrodium hispidum,
“Hairy Boss-fern”; Nothochlaena distans, “Woolly-
cloak Fern” (one of the best) ; Schizaca fistulosa, “Slen-
der Comb-fern”; Lygodium articulatum, “Climbing-
string Fern”; Loxsoma seems to have floored him; he
could do nothing better than “Loxsoma-fern.” The
quaintest I keep to the last, Adiantum hispidulum,
“Hairy Maidenhair” (the inclination to drop the last
syllable is irresistible).

Mr. H. C. Field also tried his hand, but with more
restraint. Adiantum formosum, “Plumed Maidenhair” ;
Adiantum aethiopiciim, “African Maidenhair” (I fancy
it will always be called “The True Maidenhair”) ; Ptcris
tremula, “Scented Fern” (surely this is more applicable
to P. scabenila?) . When he calls Nephrodium veluti-
num , one of our most beautiful species, “Dirty-fern,” it
makes my gorge rise.

With names, as with species, I fancy it will be a case
of the survival of the fittest. If Mr. Potts’ “Woolly-
cloak Fern,” Miss Pules’ “Feeble Spleenwort,” and Mr.
Field’s “Plumed Maidenhair” survive, they have each
done something to be proud of.

Four of the Maori names — the natives distinguished
only a few of the species — may persist. Cyathca rncdid-
laris, “Mamaku or Korau”; Cyathca dealbata, “Ponga”;

New Zealand Ferns

Marattia fraxinea, ‘"Para” (pronounced short); Lygo-
dimn articulatum, “Mange-mange.” Some of the popu-
lar names have come to stay. Trichomanes reniforme,
“Kidney-fern”; Cyathea medullaris “Black Tree-fern”;
Cyathea dcalbata, “Silver King”; Adiantum aethiopi-
cam, “Maidenhair”; Gleichenia Cunninghaniii, “Um-
brella-fern”; Todca Supcrba, “Prince of Wales Feath-
ers”; Marattia fraxinea, “King-fern.”

When all is said, a name is not of vital importance,
but it is as easy to select a good one as a bad one, a
truth which the great European botanists do not seem
to have realised. There is something revolting in calling
such a dainty creation as a fern, a plant that cannot en-
dure the least foulness of soil, air, or water, by such a
name as “pustulatum” (covered with pustules) ; that its
obvious perfections should be overlooked in favour of
so repulsive a comparison.

One does not expect much imagination in a German
botanist; but Dr. Swartz might have managed some-
thing better, when naming one of the noblest families
of tree-ferns in the world, than an allusion to a micro-
scopic peculiarity of the seed vessels ; a more dignified
title for the “Silver King” tree-fern than “The white
fern with a cup-shaped seed vessel”; something more
inspiring for the monarch of the fern grove, a giant who
towers to a height of 50ft., one of the loftiest in the
world, than “The pithy fern with a cup-shaped seed
vessel”; the imagination is not exalted by the mention
of such a poor material as pith.

Why should the most beautiful fern in New Zealand
be called “Herr Tode’s superb”? to make a literal trans-
lation; it smacks too much of labelling a cask of lager
beer. This is a name which may very well be altered.

No systematic plan has been followed in finding names
for the 31 genera existing in New Zealand. Fourteen
refer to the seeds, six are called after individuals, three
from the frond, and one each from the habitat, medi-
cinal properties, root, and stalk. In selecting the indi-

New Zealand Ferns

viduals for so distinguished an honour a cosmopolitan
taste has been shown. Two were Scotchmen, two Ger-
mans, one Italian, and one Englishman — Mr. Doody, a
London apothecary.

I understand that some of the names will be altered
in the forthcoming revised edition of Mr. Cheese-
man’s Manual. But as it may be two or three years
before this is out, I think it wiser not to attempt any
alterations. This changing of names is a source of
irritation to the public, who would prefer something
fixed and immutable. They are only concerned in
a designation by which they may know the fern;
advertising the name of the finder does not interest
the general public.

ARRANGEMENT OF THE BOOK

As a photographic picture of the plant itself will give
a more accurate representation than the most laboured
description, and in a fraction of the time, I have ob-
tained an illustration of practically each known species
and variety of fern in New Zealand, and have confined
the description to those points beyond the power of a
photograph to portray. First of all the characteristic
feature of the plant is set down, so that the reader may
at once grasp the clue. Then comes a short description
of the size, colour, habitat, etc., generally taken from
Mr. T. F. Cheeseman’s Manual, which, for clearness
of expression, terseness, and accuracy, leaves nothing
to be desired. (Of course, Mr. Cheeseman is in no way
responsible for my translation of botanical terms, or for
additions and omissions). Then come observations on
the growth, and other particulars that may interest the
reader. The size of the picture from which the photo-
graph was taken is noted at the top of each illustration.

I have followed the order and classification of Mr.
Cheeseman’s Manual, entering as authentic only the
species and varieties therein contained. In the illustra-
tions I have endeavoured to follow his example by keep-

New Zealand Ferns

ing to medium-sized specimens. Had I attempted to
portray curiosities, abnormal, bifurcated, or crested
forms there would have been no end to the illustrations.

Some species and varieties of ferns that have been
announced in the “Transactions of the New Zealand
Institute” since the publication of Mr. Cheeseman’s
Manual, and others that appear to be worthy of note,
I have recorded and illustrated.

The colour of ferns varies according to age and lo-
cality, the young fronds being of a much lighter fresher
green than the mature ones. Exposure to the sun im-
parts a yellow or golden green, sometimes a reddish
brown. The green of the mature leaves differs less when
placed side by side on a table than one would expect from
their appearance in the bush. In the tree ferns there is
a great similarity; Dicksonia squarrosa, D. Janata, and
Cyathca dealbata being of almost exactly the same
shade. When held up to the light, D. squarrosa looks a
little darker.

As most of my study and collecting of ferns has been
in the Auckland Province, and my fernery is situated
there, my experiences apply more especially to that part
of the Dominion.

The plates illustrating the manner in which the seeds
are carried, both in Mr. Field’s book and the one I had
published in 1880, were copied from Hooker and Baker’s
“Synopsis Filicum.” In this edition I have adopted a
more direct method. It occurred to me that an enlarged
photograph of the actual leaf bearing the seeds would
give a more faithful picture, and one more easily recog-
nised. Thanks to the untiring skill and enthusiasm of
Mr. F. W. Birch and the initial help of Mr. S. G. Frith
and Mr. F. G. Radcliffe, I have succeeded beyond my
expectations. Hooker’s plates are of little value to a
New Zealand student; they give sketches of species
usually unrepresented in this country.

The work of an artist, however proficient, cannot be
so exact as a photograph, and, as most of my illustra-

New Zealand Ferns

tions have been taken from green specimens, there has
been none of that distortion which sometimes occurs in
specimens that have been dried — see the illustration of
Loxsoma in the ‘.‘Synopsis Filicum.” The photographs
in this work are all of New Zealand species, no pains
having been spared to obtain typical specimens. The
student, with a little application, should be able to
recognise all the herbaceous ferns. The tree-ferns
differ so much in size and general appearance that
the written description should be sufficient guide.

This has no pretension to being a scientific work. The
language is what I hope the average reader will under-
stand. I have been tempted to use the botanical term
“sori" when alluding to the fructification of the ferns,
but, in a popular work, the arguments in favour of the
older word “seeds” seem to me to be unanswerable. As
defined in modern popular dictionaries it is exactly ap-
plicable— “That part of a plant which contains the rudi-
ment or embryo of the future plant.” Nine hundred and
ninety-nine people out of a thousand do not know the
meaning of “sori” — the botanist possibly being the soli-
tary exception — but they understand what is meant by
“seeds.” This is a popular work, written for the nine
hundred and ninety-nine majority. To cpiote J. FI.
Fabre in his “Life of a Grasshopper,” page 69, “Con-
vinced as I am that barbarous terms are only a cumber-
some impediment to science.”

I have striven after accuracy, and have always tried
to verify my facts; if mistakes have crept in, I can only
crave forbearance. With the exception of the scientific
names which are absolutely necessary, both for the sake
of accuracy and because most of our ferns have no other
• — they are no more uncouth than those of many garden
flowers — I have purposely avoided botanical scientific
terms. This book is not a primer. I claim no special
knowledge of the subject, only an intense love for the
beautiful plants and a desire to encourage others in their
study.

New Zealand Ferns

As a boy I collected ferns in England; when, there-
fore, I landed in Auckland, after a long voyage in a sail-
ing ship, I knew something about them. So eager was I
to explore the New Zealand bush that I walked out to
Waitakere — there was no railway in 1875 — a few days
after coming ashore. Scrambling over some fern hills,
I entered a belt of tall manuka and emerged suddenly
into a bush gully. Never shall I forget that first half
hour; the sensation of beholding entirely new ferns in
whichever direction I turned my eyes. As I had seen no
work on the New Zealand ferns — not even a collection
— they were just as great a find to me as to the first dis-
coverer.

After a bewildered look all round, my attention was
arrested by a handsome Lomaria (discolor) , a spread-
ing crown of broad leaves surrounding the central group
of upright fronds; then, luxuriant plants of Asplenium
( lucidum and bulbiferum ) which I could measure by
feet, not inches as in Cumberland; feathery fronds of
a buckler fern ( Ncphrodium hispidum) carpeting the
sward. Not until several minutes had elapsed did I raise
my eyes to the trees — I had been trained to cast them
down when looking for the lowly plants in England —
there were as many there as on the ground; drooping
Aspleniums, climbing Lomarias and Polypodiums. But
the filmy ferns ! I had not the remotest conception that
such plants existed ; they fairly took away my breath ;
I seemed to be in fairyland.

There were six times as many species as I had ever
seen growing in one locality in the Old Country. And
the profusion! No painful search for perfect specimens,
they were at my hand literally in hundreds. So vivid
was the impression on my mind that I can recall the
sensation as if it were yesterday instead of 43 years ago.

In these days of material striving, when a man’s worth
is measured by his credit balance at the bank, it is not
out of place to make an attempt to inspire the rising
generation with a love of the beautiful, the simple, the

New Zealand Ferns

rare, as exemplified by our ferns. Something that is
valued for itself alone, not for the reflected glory its
possession gives the owner. The pride which a fern col-
lector takes in showing a friend some rare specimen is
not measured by its intrinsic value, but by the difficulty
involved, the patience endured, his good luck in finding
it. His first impulse after gathering and recording a
prize is to get some for his friends.

There were several ferns that I had never collected,
others of which my specimens were poor, or not typical.
Only to mention my want to other fern collectors was
to ensure their giving me of their best. My warmest
thanks are especially due to Mr. T. F. Cheeseman, Mr.
D. Petrie, Mr. H. B. Matthews, Messrs. Hunt and
Davis, and Mr. H. Carse for serving me in this direc-
tion.

One word of warning, O trustful reader; when you
see a species marked “abundant,” do not be too san-
guine. I have searched for some so described for 40
years, and never found them.

H. B. Dobbie.

Auckland, 1916.

New Zealand Ferns

A Few Notes on Cultivation

Generally speaking, ferns with tufted roots are more
easily transplanted and grow better than those with
creeping roots. The same rule is more or less true with
regard to those growing in rich or poor soil, some of
the latter being almost impossible to transplant. When
both a creeping root and a preference for poor soil occur
in one and the same plant, then you reach the extreme
of intractibility — as instanced in Lindsaya linearis and
Gleichenia Cunninghamii.

All the Hymenophyllums, Trichomanes and the two
filmy Todcas grow best in a Wardian case.

For some years I tried in vain to establish a fernery
in my garden ; the plants would not thrive. Then the
ferns themselves showed me where they wished to grow.
Some four or five feet below the surface of the ground
occurs a stratum of hard sand or tufa that can be cut
into blocks with a sharp spade. With these I faced seve-
ral terraces. The wet years of 1916 and 1917 induced
an abundant crop of moss on the steeply sloping surface,
to be followed by a luxuriant growth of ferns upon those
which faced the south (the tiny seedlings appear about
September and October). One wall, shaded by a young
totara tree, was covered in a few months with a dense
growth of graceful ferns.

As the southern aspect exposed them to cold winds, I
built a protecting wall of the same porous material about
5ft. high. When this, in turn, began to grow moss and
ferns, I kept the surface damp by making a shallow
trough along the top and keeping it filled with water.
The fernery now recpiires little attention beyond remov-
ing the young tree-ferns and the more robust species,

A Few Notes on Cultivation

which, if allowed to grow, would soon bring down the
structure in ruins.

I have also had to wage war upon the slugs and snails,
whose depredations were almost incredible. For months
they devoured the young shoots of Asplenium, Cheil-
anthes, and Nothochlaena distans as fast as they ap-
peared. My reliance on the ducks to keep the fernery
clear of these pests was not warranted. I set about twenty
slug traps — flat pieces of wood sprinkled with bran.
Upon the first night I caught 340, and for six weeks
averaged 50 a night; it was only after three months of
unremitting attention that the nightly catch dropped
below 20. But, meanwhile, the ferns were left alone,
and grew apace. The traps should be set at sundown
and examined at about 1 1 p.m., the early hours of the
night being the slugs’ feeding time. I have visited them
at 3 a.m. with but little success. There is also a grey-
green caterpillar that feeds upon the young fronds of
Pteris tremula; it is very voracious.

The following is a list of those ferns which grew
spontaneously on the damp sand-blocks in my garden,
and three (102, 130, 133) on a young totara tree. At
the top of the list I have placed the most prolific, and
at the bottom those least so.

LIST OF SELF-SOWN FERNS
AUCKLAND, 1915-18

(63) Pteris tremula. Hundreds of plants.

(67) Pteris incisa. Scores of plants.

(31) Cyathea medullaris. The black tree-fern. Scores of plants.
(61) Pteris aquilina. The common bracken. Scores of plants.
(130) Polypodium serpens. Dozens of plants.

(123) Polypodium pennigerum. More than a dozen plants.

(83) Doodia media. More than a dozen plants.

(30) Cyathea dealbata. Silver King tree-fern. Several plants.
(76) Lomaria capensis. Several plants.

(133) Polypodium Billardieri. Several plants.

(65) Pteris macilenta. Several plants.

(65) Pteris macilenta, Var. Saxitilis. Several plants.

New Zealand Ferns

(108) Aspidium Richardi. Several plants.

(102) Asplenium flaccidum. Three plants.

(37) Dicksonia squarrosa. Tree-fern. Three plants.
(62) Pteris scaberula. Two plants.

(54) Hypolepis tenui folia. Several plants.

(117) Nephrodium hispidum. Two plants.

(132) Polypodium pustulatum. One plant.

(78) Lomaria filiformis. One plant.

New Zealand Ferns

Table of Genera, Species, and
Varieties

Page

(1) HYMENOPHYLLUM

rarum .... ....

polyanthos ....

villosum

australe

atrovirens

pulcherrimum

dilatatum

demissum

scabrum

flabellatum

rufescens

subtilissimum...

Malingii

Cheesmanii ....

„ Var. Armstrongii....

minimum

Tunbridgense....

„ f ar. cupressif orme

unilaterale

multifidum

bivalve...

(2) TRICHOMANES

reniforme

Lyallii ...

humile...

venosum

Colensoi

strictum

elongatum

(3) LOXSOMA

Cunninghamii

(4) CYATHEA

dealbata

medullar is

Milnei ....

Cunninghamii

Page

(5) HEMITELIA

Smithii...

„ Var. microphylla . .

(6) ALSOPHILA

100

Colensoi

(7) DICKSONIA

101

squarrosa

103

fibrosa ....

105

lanata ....

(8) DAVALLIA

107

Tasmani

109

novae zealandiae

(9) CYSTOPTERIS

111

fragilis

(10) LINDSAYA

113

linearis

115

Trichomanoides

117

44a

Microphylla ....

119

„ Var. Lessonii

121

viridis ....

(11) ADIANTUM

123

aethiopicum ....

125

diaphanum

129

„ Var. polymorphum

131

hispidulum

133

formosum

135

affine ....

137

J'ulvum ....

(12) HYPOLEP1S

139

tenuifolia

141

54a

Petrieana

145

millefolium ....

147

distans

(13) CHEILANTHES

151

tenuifolia

153

Sieberi ...

155

New Zealand Ferns

(14) PELLAEA

falcata

Page

157

rotundifolia...

161

(15) PTERIS

aquilina

163

scaberula

165

tremula

169

comans

171

macilenta ....

173

65a

„ Far. saxatilis ....

175

„ Var. pendula ....

177

incisa...

179

(16) LOMARIA

Patersoni

181

discolor

183

vulcanica

185

Norfolkiana

187

lanceolata ....

189

dura ....

191

Banksii

193

Alpina

195

capensis

197

„ Var. minor

201

filiformis

205

nigra .... ....

207

fluviatilis

209

membranacea

211

Fraseri

213

(17) DOODIA

media ....

215

„ Far. Milnei ....

219

caudata

221

(18) ASPLENIUM

jlabellifolium

223

trichomanes ....

227

falcatum

229

caudatum

231

obtusatum ....

233

lucidum

235

„ Var. obliquum ....

239

„ Var. scleroprium

241

„ Var. Lyallii

243

„ Var. anomodum ....

245

Hooherianum

247

„ Var. Colensoi ....

249

bulbiferum ....

251

„ Var. laxum

255

100

„ Var.tripinnatum

257

101

Richardi

259

102

flaccidum

261

103

„ Var. Shuttleivorthianum

265

104

umbrosum ....

267

105

japonicum ....

269

106

(19) ASPIDIUM

aculeatum ....

Page

273

107

„ Far. sylvaticum ....

275

108

Richardi

277

108a „ Far

278

109

cystostegia ....

285

110

capense

285

111

aristatum

285

112

(20) NEPHRODIUM

thelypteris ....

287

113

decompositum

289

114

glabellum

291

115

velutinum

293

116

setigerum

295

117

hispidum

297

118

unitum

299

119

molle

301

120

(21) NEPHROLEPIS

cordifolia

302

121

exaltata

305

122

(22) POLYPODIUM

punctatum ....

307

123

pennigerum ....

309

124

„ Var. Hamiltoni ...

311

125

australe

313

126

„ Var. villosum

313

127

„ Var. pumilum

313

128

grammitidis ....

315

129

tenellum

317

130

serpens

319

131

Cunninghamii

321

132

pustulatum ....

323

133

Billardieri ....

325

134

novae zealandiae ....

329

(23) NOTHOCLAENA

135

distorts ....

331

(24) GYMNOGRAMME

136

rutaefolia

335

137

leptophylla ....

337

(25) GLEICHENIA

138

circinata

339

139

dicarpa

341

140

„ Far. hecistophylla

343

141

„ Var. alpina

345

142

Cunninghamii

347

143

jlabellata

349

144

dichotoma ....

351

Table of Genera, Species and Varieties

145

(26) SCHIZAEA

fistulosa

Page

.. 353

146

„ Var. Australis

.. 355

147

bifida ...

.. 357

148

dichotoma

.. 359

149

(27) LYGODIUM

articulatum ....

.. 361

150

(28) TODEA

barbara

.. 365

151

hymenophylloides ....

.. 367

152

superba

.. 369

Page

(29) MARATTIA

153 fraxinea .... .... .... 375

(30) OPHIOGLOSSUM

154 lusitanicum .... .... .... 379

155 vulgatum .... .... .... 381

(31) BOTRYCHIUM

156 lunaria .... .... .... 383

157 ternatuin .... .... .... 385

158 „ Var. dissection .... 387

NUMBER AND DISTRIBUTION
Genera, 31

Well-authenticated species 134

Well-authenticated varieties 24

Total 158

Species Varieties

Reported from both Islands 106 18

Reported from North Island, not from South 17 3

Reported from South Island, not from North 3
Found on islets, not on mainland 8 3

New Zealand Ferns

Ferns Found Only in New Zealand

44 Species, 13 Varieties, 3 of which are doubtful

3 Hymenophyllum villosum

5 Hymenophyllum atrovirens

6 Hymenophyllum pulcherrimum
9 Hymenophyllum scabrum

11 Hymenophyllum rufescens

13 Hymenophyllum Malingii

14 Hymenophyllum Cheesemanii

15 Hymenophyllum Cheesemanii, Yar. Armstrongii

16 Hymenophyllum minimum

21 Hymenophyllum bivalve

22 Trichomanes reni forme

23 Trichomanes Lyallii

26 Trichomanes Colensoi

27 T richomanes strictum

28 Trichomanes elongatum

29 Loxsoma Cunninghamii

32 Cyathea Milnei

33 Cyathea Cunninghamii

34 Hemitelia Smithii

35 Hemitelia Smithii, Var. microphylla

36 Alsophila Colensoi

37 Dicksonia squarrosa

38 Dicksonia fibrosa

39 Dicksonia lanata

40 Davallia Tasmani

41 Davallia novae zealandiae
46 Lindsaya viridis

54a Hypolepis Petrieana

55 Hypolepis millefolium

56 Hypolepis distans
62 Pteris scaberula
65 Pteris macilenta

65a Pteris macilenta, Var. saxatilis

73 Lomaria dura

74 Lomaria Banksii
79 Lomaria nigra

81 Lomaria membranacea

Ferns Found Only in New Zealand

82 Lomaria Fraseri

92 Asplenium lucidum, Var. obliquum

93 Asplenium lucidum, Var. scleroprium

94 Asplenium lucidum, Var. Lyalli

95 Asplenium lucidum, Var. anomodum

97 Asplenium Hookerianum, Var. Colensoi (?)
99 Asplenium bulbiferum, Var. laxum
100 Asplenium bulbiferum, Var. tripinnatum
103 Asplenium flaccidum, Var. Shuttleworthianum
109 Aspidium cystostegia
115 Nephrodium velutinum

123 Polypodium pennigerum

124 Polypodium pennigerum, Var. Flamiltoni

126 Polypodium australe, Var. villosum ( ?)

127 Polypodium australe, Var. pumilum (?)

134 Polypodium novae zealandiae

140 Gleichenia dicarpa, Var. hecistophylla
142 Gleichenia C unninghamii
149 Lygodium articulatunr

151 Todea hymenophylloides

152 Todea superba

New Zealand Ferns

I. HYMENOPHYLLUM

HYMENOPH YLLUM (hymen, membrane;
phyllon, leaf). “Filmy ferns.” A genus of about 90
species, represented in New Zealand by 19 authentic
species and two varieties. Found only in shady forests
where the air is moist and still; mostly of small size,
covering trees and rocks with lovely drooping fronds,
through which the light glances, or with feathery mats
of a tender translucent green. Seeds in little cup-shaped
vessels on the margins of the leaflets.

(1 )H. rarurn (rare — meaning thin). A small, deli-
cate fern of a pale glistening green; pendulous from
trees and rocks; of a broader pattern than the other
small members of the genus.

Description. — Roots small, wiry, black. Fronds very variable,
1 to 4 inches long, but sometimes dwarfed to ^in. or lengthened
to 8 inches ; narrow, rarely exceeding 1 inch in width ; flaccid and
quite smooth, thin, membranous, pale-green. Seeds large, near
the summit of the frond.

From Mongonui and Kaitaia southwards, not uncommon. Sea-
level to 3,000 feet.

This slender delicate species occurs in shady forests
in both islands. It is difficult to cultivate, because the
wiry roots creep under the bark and fibres of the trees
upon which it grows ; the best plan is to bring away some
of the bark with the plant growing upon it.

Distributed widely in both hemispheres.

NOTE. — The popular terms “root” and “seeds” are used throughout, in place
of the botanical terms “rhizome” and “sori.”

Hymenophyllum

SIZE, 7in. x 5in.

(1) HYMENOPHYLLUM RARUM.

A Large Specimen. Upper Side.

TIT1RANGI.

New Zealand Ferns

(2) H. polyanthos (many flowers — in connection
with the seed vessels) Var sanguinolentum (reddish).
“Piri-piri.” A medium-sized species; fronds often
curved ; leaflets closely set, undulating, of a somewhat
opaque olive-green.

Description. — Forming matted patches on the trunks or
branches of trees, or on rotten logs. Root rather stout, creeping,
usually bristly with reddish-brown hairs. Stalks stout, narrowly
winged above. Fronds 2 to 9 inches long by 1 to 3 inches broad,
erect or curved, dull-green to olive-green. Seeds small, usually
on upper portion of leaf. Midrib sinuous.

Abundant throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to 3,000 feet.

The crowded tilted leaflets give the frond a thick ap-
pearance. Sometimes it grows in extraordinary abun-
dance, covering every trunk and branch with a lovely
tapestry of transparent green. Its identity can be fixed
with certainty in the course of drying for the herbarium
as it stains the paper brown and gives off a peculiar
scent, which hangs about the specimen for years.

It is found in almost all tropical countries, but appar-
ently not in Australia.

Hymenophyllum

SIZE, 9jin. x 8|in.

(2) HYMENOPHYLLUM POLYANTHOS, VAR. SANGUINOLENTUM. TITIRANGI.
A Large Specimen. Upper Side.

New Zealand Ferns

(3) H. villosum (bearing long hairs). A small
mountain species, sometimes confused with H. poly-
anthos. The smaller size of the fronds, the hairiness of
the stalks and midribs, the more finely-cut leaves, and
the narrower final divisions — almost like threads — suffi-
ciently distinguish it.

Description. — Root wiry, creeping. Stalks 1 to 3 inches long,
hairy, ultimate leaflets crowded and very narrow. Fronds erect
or curved, 2 to 6 inches long by 1 to \\ inches broad, opaque,
dull brownish-green.

Mountains, North Island. Hawke’s Bay — Tukituki River,
Ruahine Mountains. Wellington — Tararua Ranges. South

Island : In sub-alpine forests not uncommon throughout. Stewart
Island, Auckland Islands. Usually from 2,000 to 4,000 feet, but
descends almost to sea-level in Westland.

It is confined to New Zealand.

Hymenophyllum

SIZE, 6in. x 4in.

(3) HYMENOPHYLLUM VILLOSUM. OTAGO.

A Large Specimen. Upper Side.

New Zealand Ferns

(4) H. australe (southern). Readily distinguished
by the crinkled wing running both along the stalks and
throughout the whole frond, which gives the species a
wonderfully pellucid appearance; called “Javanicum” in
the older works.

Description. — Roots creeping, branched, wiry. Stalks, mid-
ribs, indeed the whole frond, more or less winged throughout.
Fronds erect or curved, very membranous, 3 to 9 inches long by
1^ to 4 inches broad ; forming matted patches on rocks or among
the moss on tree trunks ; pale-green when young, becoming lurid-
green with age. Seeds numerous, terminal on the leaflets.

Not uncommon in damp woods throughout the Dominion. Sea-
level to 2,000 feet.

A beautiful soft-looking plant of an engaging appear-
ance most attractive to the fern collector. Abundant on
the west coast of Otago.

A fairly wide-spread plant.

Hymenophyllum

SIZE, 9in. x 7in.

(4) HYMENOPHYLLUM AUSTRALE.

A Large Specimen. Upper Side.

KAIPARA.

New Zealand Ferns

{S') H. atrovirens (blackish-green). Smaller than
H. australe, from which it differs chiefly in the nar-
rower and more sparingly divided frond, and in the
wings of the stalk and midrib being flat, not crinkled.

Description. — Usually terrestrial. Root slender, wiry, creep-
ing. Stalks about half the length of the frond, winged almost to
the base. Fronds few, somewhat rigidly erect, membranous, dull
dark-green, 2 to 6 inches long by ^in. to 1 inch broad. Seeds few,
terminating the leaflets.

A rare fern. Auckland — Bay of Islands, Whangarei, Mamaku
near Rotorua, Lake Waikaremoana. South Island: Wakatipu.
Sea-level to 2,500 feet.

Apparently confined to New Zealand.

Hymenophyllum

SIZE, 5in. x 3ain.

(5) HYMENOPHYLLUM ATROVIRENS. WHANGARE1.

A Large Specimen. Upper Side.

New Zealand Ferns

(6) H. pulcherrimum (most beautiful). A large and
very distinct species; recognised by its great length of
leaf in comparison with its width, the much finer and
more open pattern, the smaller seeds, and the winged
stalk.

Description. — Roots short, stout, densely covered with red-
brown scales. Stalks 2 to 6 inches long, winged to the base, wings
not crinkly. Fronds very handsome, pale-green, erect or pendu-
lous, 9 to 30 inches long, including the stalk, by 2 to 6 inches
broad. Seeds small, terminating the ultimate divisions.

North Island: Mountains of the interior, from Te Aroha and
Lake Waikaremoana southwards. South Island : Rare and local
in Nelson, Marlborough and Canterbury; abundant in Westland
and Otago. Stewart Island. Sea-level to 3,000 feet.

This lovely fern is not difficult to grow under glass.
It is confined to New Zealand.

Hymenophyllum

SIZE, ll|in.

(6) HYMENOPHYLLUM PULCHERRIMUM.

A Medium Specimen.

Upper Side.

x 5£in.

TARANAKI.

New Zealand Ferns

(7) H . dilatatum (widened). Easily recognised by
the large size of its leaves and the great width of the
ultimate divisions. The broad pellucid fronds look like
a superfine seaweed.

Description. — Root long, stout, wiry, smooth. Stalks 2 to 6
inches long, winged almost to the base, wings not crinkly. Fronds
remarkably handsome, pale-green to deep-green, erect or pendu-
lous, 9 to 30 inches long, including the stalk, by 3 to 6 inches
broad. Seeds numerous, terminating the ultimate divisions.

Abundant in the woods throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to
3,000 feet.

A large and very handsome filmy fern, of a bright
pellucid green, clothing the trunks and branches of trees
and rotting stumps. I shall never forget my first sight
of the glossy green leaves hanging in profuse luxuriance
from the tree trunks. To one who had seen only the
filmy ferns of England — an inch or two long — this was
a positive giant. Even now, after 40 years in New
Zealand, the glorious broad-leaved fronds fascinate me
Given conditions like its natural environment, it can be
grown as easily as the other filmy ferns. Found also in
several of the Polynesian Islands and Java.

Hymenophyllum

SIZE, 13in. x 5£in.

(7) HYMENOPHYLLUM DILATATUM.

A Medium Specimen. Upper Side.

HUNUA.

New Zealand Ferns

(8) H. demissum (drooping). “Piri-piri.” This spe-
cies grows more stiffly and more upright than the other
large members of the genus ; it is also a good deal more
finely cut than H. dilatatum, the final divisions of the
leaf measuring only i-20th inch in width. In lowland
districts it is the most abundant of the species, often
carpeting large areas of the forest floor.

Description. — Root long, wiry, creeping. Stalks 2 to 6 inches
long, smooth, wiry, not winged. Fronds erect or curved, mem-
branous, bright pale-green, 4 to 16 inches long, including the
stalk, by 2 to 5 inches broad. Seeds small, very numerous, at the
tips of the leaflets.

Abundant in woods throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to
3.000 feet.

When the sun shines on this beautiful fern after a
shower, the light glances from its crowded seeds as from
a hundred emeralds. Of the filmy ferns it is one of the
easiest to grow under glass. In her “British Ferns” Miss
Pules includes it in her list of the most attractive green-
house ferns — “Pendant filmy fern. This is the New
Zealand brother of our minute native hymenophyllum,
and may be considered by them as a veritable giant, for
the fronds exceed a foot in length !” What would she
have said to H. dilatatum, which often attains a length
of 2 feet 6 inches?

It is found also in Polynesia, Java, and the Philippine
Islands.

Hymenophyllum

SIZE, 12in. x 9in.

(8) HYMENOPHYLLUM DEMISSUM. WAIRARAPA.

Large to Medium Specimen. Upper Side.

New Zealand Ferns

(9) H. scabrum (rough). One of the largest and
handsomest species of the genus; easily recognised by
the reddish appearance given by a thick growth of hairs
on stalk and midribs; usually hanging pendant from the
tree trunks.

Description. — Root long, creeping, bristly with reddish-brown
scales. Stalks 2 to 6 inches long, not winged. Fronds very vari-
able in size, dark olive-green, or tinged with brown, erect or pen-
dulous, 6 to 20 inches long by 2 to 5 inches broad, sometimes
attaining a length of 30 inches. Seeds numerous, terminal.

Moist forests from Mangonui and Hokianga southwards, not
uncommon. Sea-level to 3,000 feet.

A strikingly handsome fern; one that sorely tempts
the collector by its production of unusually perfect speci-
mens. It prefers a very damp situation, and under such
conditions will grow readily under glass. Found only
in New Zealand.

Hymenopiiyllum

SIZE, 13in. x 9hin.

(9) HYMENOPHYLLUM SCABRUM. KAIPARA.

A Medium Specimen. Upper Side.

New Zealand Ferns

(10) H. flabellatum (fan-like). So named from the
shape of the leaflets, which, by an effort of the imagina-
tion, may be likened to fans. A pale-green pendulous
fern, growing in patches on the trunks of trees.

Description. — Root long, wiry, creeping, more or less clothed
with woolly brown hairs. Stalks slender, smooth, except for a
tuft of silky hairs at the base. Fronds very variable in size and
shape, usually 3 to 9 inches long, but sometimes reduced to less
than an inch, at others attaining a length of 12 inches. The
smaller specimens generally erect, the larger pendulous, pale
shining-green or yellow-green. Seeds small, terminal.

Not uncommon throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to 2,500
feet.

Usually a small, delicate fern, seldom more than I.V
inch wide, though sometimes reaching a length of 12
inches. Like H. ranim, it is somewhat difficult to culti-
vate. Found also in Tasmania and South-eastern Aus-
tralia, and reported from Sumatra and the Philippine
Islands.

Hymenophyllum

SIZE, 9in. x 6in.

(10) HYMENOPHYLLUM FLABBELLATUM. HUNUA.

Large to Medium Specimen. Upper Side.

New Zealand Ferns

(11) H. rufescens (reddish). A very curious little
mountain fern, the stalks longer than the triangular
leaves, the whole being covered with silky hairs that
look like spun glass.

Description.- — Root very slender, almost thread-like, creep-
ing, clothed with soft spreading hairs. Stalks much longer than
the leaf, 1 to 2 inches, hair-like. Fronds ^in. to 1^ inches long
by ^in. to ^in. broad at the base, more or less covered with long
silky hairs.

North Island: Te Aroha, Ruahine Range, Mount Egmont.
South Island: Nelson — Mount Arthur Plateau, Takaka Valley,
Mount Rochefort; Westland; Stewart Island. 1,000 to 3,000
feet.

Nearest to H. flabellatum, some mountain forms of
which approach it very closely, but are separated by the
much longer hair-like stalks, the shorter, broader, more
delicate fronds and the copious hairs. It often forms
mats on the trunks of trees and the perpendicular faces
of shaded rocks.

It is confined to New Zealand.

Note. — H. ciliatum is not included in this book, as it has been
only once reported, and that 50 years ago.

NATURAL SIZE.

Hymenophyllum

(11) HYMENOPHYLLUM RUFESCENS. A Medium Specimen. Upper Side.

New Zealand Ferns

(12 ) H . subtilissimum (very delicate). A medium-
sized filmy fern, usually pendulous from the stems of
tree-ferns or tree trunks ; most readily distinguished by
the curious colour — a dull green tinged with brown,
given to the leaf by a dense clothing of silky hairs; if
examined through a magnifying glass the surfaces have
a rough, almost furry appearance.

Description. — Forming dense mats on the stems of tree-ferns,
tree trunks, or the perpendicular faces of shaded rocks. Root
long, slender, creeping, covered with red-brown hairs. Stalks
narrow, not winged. Fronds 2 to 10 inches long by fin. to 2
inches broad, thin and membranous, dark-green to reddish-green,
sometimes tawny, usually pendulous. Seeds numerous, small,
terminal.

Not uncommon in damp forests from Mangonui southwards;
rare and local on the East Coast of the South Island. Sea-level
to 2,500 feet.

This graceful fern, which looks something like a small
copy of H. scabntm, is also found on the island of Juan
Fernandez and in Chili.

Hymenophyllum

SIZE, 8in. x 8in.

(12) HYMENOPHYLLUM SUBTILISSIMUM. TITIRANGI.

A Large Specimen. Upper Side.

New Zealand Ferns

(13) H. Malingii (Mr. Maling). A most curious
little mountain fern of an opaque, slate-green colour on
the upper and reddish-brown on the under side. The
fronds, when examined closely, appear to be built up of
innumerable short pieces of brown cord, generally ter-
minated by a knob. The leaflets are not flat, the cross-
section being round.

Description. — Roots slender, creeping. Stalks 1 to 3 inches
long, very slight, almost thread-like. Fronds 2 to 8 inches or
even 20 inches long by Jfin. to \\ inches broad, erect or pendu-
lous, opaque, rigid, slate-green, covered densely everywhere with
small hairs. Seeds small, terminating the leaflets like little knobs.

North Island: Te Aroha, Mount Egmont, Ruahine Moun-
tains, Ruapehu. South Island: Mountains Nelson, Westland,
Otago, Banks Peninsula.

A rare fern, found sparingly on the mountains of
both islands, though fairly abundant in the Libocedrus
forests near Waimarino; almost confined to the kawaka
trees. Named after its first discoverer, Mr. Maling, a
surveyor, who was killed at the Wairau massacre. It is
confined to New Zealand.

Hymenophyllum

SIZE, 7in. x 3iin.

(13) HYMENOPHYLLUM MALINGII. WAIMARINO.

A Large Specimen. Upper Side.

New Zealand Ferns

(14) H. Cheesemanii (Mr. Cheeseman). A very
minute fern, found among moss on the branches of
trees or on perpendicular rocks. A glance at the illus-
tration, which is life size, will show how easily it may
be overlooked.

Description. — Root creeping, wiry. Stalks very short, fin. to
fin., thread-like. Fronds very small, fin. to 1 inch long, simple or
forked, dark-green, texture firm.

Found in a number of localities in both Islands. Sea-level to
3,500 feet.

This tiny species was first detected by Mr. Cheeseman
at Titirangi on the tops of some trees that had been felled
in road-making. It forms cushions on the branches of
trees, or creeps among the moss and hepaticte. It is con-
fined to New Zealand.

NATURAL SIZE.

Hymenophyllum

(14) HYMENOPHYLLUM CHEESEMANII. A Large Specimen. Upper Side. TITIRANGI.

New Zealand Ferns

(15) Var. Armstrongii. Precisely similar in size and
habit to the foregoing, but firmer in texture and the
margins thickened. Originally called Trichomancs
Armstrongii.

(16) H. minimum (very small). A minute fern,
forming matted patches on the trunks of trees and on
rocks; even rarer than the last.

Description.— Roots creeping, thread-like, smooth, f,in. to
4in. long. Fronds very small, fin. to -fin. long, firm, pale-green.
Seeds never more than one in a frond.

A littoral plant. South Island: Tasman Bay; Westland — coast
near Okarito ; Otago — Resolution Island ; East Coast. Stewart
Island, not uncommon. Auckland Islands.

A very small species, never found far from the sea-
coast. Easily confounded with H. tunbridgense, from
which it differs by the uniformly solitary and terminal
seeds. It is confined to New Zealand.

(17) H. tunbridgense (from near Tunbridge). A
small fern, with distinctly serrated margins, growing
in thick masses on rocks and tree trunks where the shade
is densest. May be mistaken for moss by the unobser-
vant.

Description. — Root long, wiry, creeping. Stalks fin. to If
inches long, slender, wiry, naked. Fronds variable in size, fin.
to 3 inches long by fin. to 1 inch broad, pale-green, membranous.
Seeds usually near the midrib. Forming matted patches on rocks
or the trunks of trees.

Abundant throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to 3,000 feet.

NATURAL SIZE.

Hymenophyllum

(17) HYMENOPHYLLUM TUNBRIDGENSE. Medium to Small Specimen. WHANGAREI.

New Zealand Ferns

I have often seen this little fern covering the trunks
of tree-ferns from top to bottom with a feathery green
mat. There is surely something more than coincidence
in the fact of this delicate, fragile little plant holding its
own all over the world, just as a minute weak-flying but-
terfly, a small species of “blue,” is found everywhere,
even in the Arctic regions.

(18) Var. cupressiforme (cypress-like). Fronds
taller and narrower, more erect, i to 4 inches high,
more open in texture.

Hymenophyllum

NATURAL SIZE.

(18) HYMENOPHYLLUM TUNBRIDGENSE, VAR. CUPRESSIFORME.

A Medium Specimen. Upper Side. WHANGAREI.

New Zealand Ferns

(19) H. unilaterale (one-sided). Very similar to H.
timbridgense, but the frond is usually taller, more rigid,
more sparingly divided, and the leaflets are often one-
sided.

Description.—- Root long, creeping. Stalks ^in. to 1^ inches
long, slender, wiry, naked. Fronds 1 to 4 inches long by ^in. to
1 inch broad, dark-green, rigidly membranous, margins serrated.
Seeds near the midrib, as in H. timbridgense.

From Te Aroha southwards, chiefly in mountain forests, some-
what scarce. Sea-level to 3,500 feet.

The geographical range of this species is nearly the
same as that of H. timbridgense, but it is a rarer plant.

NATURAL SIZE.

Hymenophyllum

(19) HYMENOPHYLLUM UNILATERALE. A Medium Specimen. Upper Side. TE AROHA.

New Zealand Ferns

(20)//. multifidum (much cleft). A medium-sized
filmy fern; the margins of the leaflets serrated like the
two preceding species, but a much larger plant, finely
cut, leaflets often overlapping.

Description. — Root creeping, wiry. Stalks 1 to 5 inches long,
wiry, naked. Fronds variable in size, usually 4 to 8 inches high,
including stalks, but sometimes dwarfed to 1 inch, and occasion-
ally attaining 12 inches, erect, curved, or even pendulous, dark
olive-green to light-green, membranous. Margins of the leaflets
serrate. Seeds few, large, mostly in the upper part of the frond.

Abundant throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to 4,000 feet.

This delicately beautiful fern is found growing in
patches on the ground when the leaflets are close and
overlapping, or on the trunks and branches of trees
when they are more open. It is also found in Fiji and
other Pacific Islands.

Hymenophyllum

SIZE, 8iin. x 6in.

(20) HYMENOPHYLLUM MULTIFIDUM.

Large to Medium Specimen. Upper Side.

PICTON.

New Zealand Ferns

(21) H. bivalve (two-valved). A very graceful me-
dium-sized fern, usually growing among moss on the
ground, more rarely on trees. Allied to H. multi fiduni,
but larger, less rigid, and of a paler green; usually with
far more numerous seeds.

Description. — Roots stout, wiry, creeping; rootlets densely
hairy. Stalks 2 to 5 inches long, wiry, smooth, not winged.
Fronds, including stalks, usually from 6 to 9 inches high by 2 to
4 inches broad, but luxuriant specimens reach 12 to 14 inches,
erect, curved, rather rigid, margins of leaflets serrate. Seeds
usually numerous, enclosed in a two-valved vessel.

Hilly forests from Great Barrier and Cape Colville south-
wards to East Cape, somewhat scarce. South Island, Stewart
Island, Chatham Island, not uncommon. Sea-level to 3,000 feet.

A very beautiful species, confined to New Zealand.

Hymenophylluji

SIZE, llin. x lOjin.

(21) HYMENOPHYLLUM BIVALVE.

A Large Specimen. Upper Side.

PICTON.

New Zealand Ferns

II. TRICHOMANES

TRICHOMANES (thrix, a hair; manos, soft).
“Bristle ferns.” A genus of about 90 species, with 7 in
New Zealand. Small filmy ferns, differing from Hy-
menophyllum by the presence of a hair, or short spike,
proceeding from the trumpet-shaped seed vessel, except
in T. Lyallii, which is intermediate between Hymeno-
phyllum and Trichomanes.

(22) T.reniforme ( kidney-shaped ) . “Rau-renga,”
“Kidney-fern.” Distinguished at once by its broad kid-
ney-shaped fronds, quite entire and of a pellucid green.

Description. — Root stout, hard, wide-creeping; rootlets woolly.
Stalks 2 to 8 inches long, erect, wiry, smooth. Fronds 2 to 4
inches broad, of the purest light-green when young, dark-green
when old, glossy, undulating. Seeds very numerous in a fringe
round the margin of the leaf.

Abundant in damp woods throughout the Dominion except
the East Coast of the South Island, where it is rare and local.
Sea-level to 3,000 feet.

Trichomanes

SIZE, 6in. x 6in.

(22) TRICHOMANES RENIFORME. WAITAKERE.

A Medium Specimen. Upper Side.

New Zealand Ferns

The most remarkable fern in New Zealand. In out-
ward appearance the seeds resemble Loxsoma more than
Trichomanes. Those who have been brought up in the
land of the kidney-fern can hardly realise how unique is
the form of the frond. I shall never forget my first sight
of it. I could not believe it was a fern ; none of the leaves
happened to be unrolling. For half an hour I sat in
doubt, deciding at last that perhaps it was a fern. Since
then I have seen it hundreds of times, but it does not
lose its glamour ; there is still a return of that first thrill
when I thought it might be a fern.

This species is found only in New Zealand; had it
been known to the Old World the weavers of fairy tales
would have transformed its dainty green chalice cush-
ioned in moss into a cup for the wood-nymphs, or some
such fanciful conceit. This gem of the vegetable king-
dom is so plentiful that we are apt to lose sight of its
rare beauty. One can hardly enter an undisturbed piece
of bush without finding it clustered about the tree roots
or upon decaying trunks. Recently, when searching for
a seeded specimen wherewith to illustrate this book, I
came across a sylvan arch, formed by a massive trunk
bridging the space between two trees. From end to end
it was robed with the clustering green cups. I might
have taken a thousand specimens without marring Na-
ture's masterpiece.

Trichomanes

It often surprises one in the most unlikely spots, such
as the cinder slopes of Rangitoto, where it grows luxuri-
antly, notwithstanding the total absence of soil. It is not
difficult to cultivate if conditions are suitable. For many
years it has been a great favourite in the fern-houses of
Europe.

New Zealand Ferns

(23) T. Lyallii (Mr. Lyall). The daintiest, most
delicate little fern, often broader than it is long, shaped
like a fairy fan, sometimes covering with a feathery
green mat the trunk of every tree and sapling within a
radius of many yards.

Description. — Roots branched, creeping, hair-like. Stalks
slender, thread-like, 1 to 2 inches long. Fronds fin. to If inches
long by fin. to If inches broad, delicately membranous, nearly
transparent, light-green. Seeds large for the size of the frond,
at the tips of the leaflets, giving them the appearance of being
cut off square.

Not uncommon from Kaipara southwards in dense moist
forests, except on the East Coast of the South Island, where it
is rare and local. Sea-level to 3,000 feet.

The species is intermediate between Trichomancs and
Hymenophyllum, and was classed under the latter genus
by Dr. Hooker in his great work on the ferns of the
world. There is no bristle protruding from the seed.
An exquisite little fern, found nowhere but in New Zea-
land.

NATURAL SIZE.

Trichomanes

(23) TRICHOMANES LYALLII. Large to Small Specimen. Upper Side. WAITAKERE.

New Zealand Ferns

(24) T. liumile (lowly). A modest little fern that
hides its head in some retired shady nook, where the
light is screened and the air still; easily recognised by
the hairs which proceed from the trumpet-shaped seed
vessel on each side of the midrib.

Description.- — Roots slender, creeping, matted. Stalks slen-
der, fin. to fin. long, winged almost to the base. Fronds 1 to 3
inches long by fin. to fin. broad, smooth, membranous, dark
dull-green, pendulous. Seeds producing thread-like hairs, down
the centre of the frond.

From the North Cape southwards not uncommon in dark
woods. South Island: Nelson, Marlborough, Banks Peninsula.
Sea-level to 2,000 feet.

I first gathered this tender little fern in the year 1880
at the bottom of Pohe-rua crater, Bay of Islands, at that
time so choked with bushes and small trees as to produce
the effect of a dim twilight down below. The whole of
the ground — rocks, stones, and earth — was carpeted a
shadowy-green; I could not set down my foot without
crushing the humble little fronds.

It is also found in Java and the Pacific Islands.

NATURAL SIZE.

Trichomanes

(24; TRICHOMANES HUM1LE. A Medium Specimen. Upper Side. WHANGARE1.

New Zealand Ferns

(25) T .venosum (veined). A curious, delicate little
fern, generally growing pendulous from tree-ferns; the
sinuous veins which show clearly in the illustration, are
very remarkable, quite unlike those of any other species
of filmy fern.

Description. — Root short, slender, wide-creeping. Stalks fin.
to 2 inches long, very slender, hair-like. Fronds 1 to 4 inches
long by -fin. to If inches broad, very delicate, translucent, shining,
pale-green. Seeds irregular, but usually occurring down each side
of the midrib.

Abundant throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to 3,500 feet.

Though not much larger than T. Lyalli and T. humile,
this little fern succeeds in making itself far more con-
spicuous. Instead of hiding its charms in dark nooks
and corners like T. lmmile, it prefers the open glade,
flaunting its bright-green fronds in the checkered light
that filters through the tree-ferns.

Found also in Australia and Tasmania.

Trichomanes

NATURAL SIZE.

(25) TRICHOMANES VENOSUM. WAIKUMETE.

A Medium Specimen. Upper Side.

New Zealand Ferns

(26) T. Colensoi (Mr. Colenso). A somewhat rare
fern, differing from T. Jnimilc in being- more finely cut,
the leaflets more branched and open, and the stalk run-
ning through the centre of the frond more hair-like, not
winged.

Description. — Root branching, wide-creeping, hair-like. Stalks
short, very slender. Fronds rather distant, 2 to 5 inches long by
■jin. to 1 inch broad. Seeds small, near the centre stalk, provided
with long hair-like bristles.

North Island : Rotorua, Waikaremoana, Mount Egmont

Ranges, Tararua Ranges. South Island: Nelson, Collingwood,
Takaka Valley, West Wanganui, Banks Peninsula, Okarito, near
Dunedin, Lake Wanaka. Sea-level to 3,000 feet.

This elegant little fern grows pendulous from rocks
and trees. It is confined to New Zealand.

Trichomanes

(26) TRICHOMANES COLENSOI.

A Large Specimen. Upper Side.

NELSON.

New Zealand Ferns

(27) T. strictum (narrow and upright). A stiff, up-
right little fern, hardly thin enough in the leaves to be
called “filmy.” The fronds, of a pale-green, grow in
crowded tufts; a scarce fern.

Description. — Root very short, erect or inclined, not creep-
ing, stout, woody. Stalks 2 to 4 inches long, stiff, erect with a
tuft of reddish-brown bristles at the base. Fronds 3 to 6 inches
by 1^ to 2^ inches, rigidly erect, yellowish-green. Seeds small,
not very numerous, producing hair-like bristles.

North Island: Mangonui County to Wellington, somewhat
rare. South Island: Nelson, Westland, Otago. Sea-level to 3,000
feet.

A handsome fern of a distinct appearance, rather dif-
ficult to cultivate ; the only chance of success is to move
some of the sod of earth in which it is growing without
in any way disturbing the roots. It is confined to New
Zealand.

Trichomanes ■

SIZE, loin, x 9in.

(27) TRICHOMANES STRICTUM.

A Large Specimen. Upper Side.

THAMES.

New Zealand Ferns

(28 )T.elongatum (lengthened). Easily recognised
by the dark olive-green, the broad triangular shape of
the frond, and the long bristles that sometimes cover the
under surface so thickly as to give it a brown colour — a
peculiarity that no doubt suggested the name.

Description. — Root short, stout, erect or inclined, not creep-
ing. Stalks 3 to 9 inches long, stout, rigid, with a tuft of bristles
at the base. Fronds somewhat scanty, 3 to 8 inches long by 11
to 3 inches broad, dark olive-green, often coated on the upper
surface with moss. Seeds numerous.

North Island : Abundant in dark woods north of East Cape ;
from thence to Cook Strait rare and local. South Island: Nelson,
Marlborough, Canterbury. Sea-level to 2,500 feet.

To find this fern it is necessary to go to the wettest
and shadiest corner of a bush gully, such as the steep
mossy bank by a waterfall. A difficult species to grow;
in transplanting, care must be taken not to disturb the
roots. Though closely allied to the wide-spread T. rigi-
diun, it is found only in New Zealand.

Trichomanes

SIZE, 13in. x 7in.

(28) TRICHOMANES ELONGATUM. KAIPARA.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

New Zealand Ferns

III. LOXSOMA

LOXSOMA (loxos, oblique; soma, a band). A
genus of a single speyies, found only in the north of New
Zealand. An exceedingly beautiful fern; the seeds pro-
jecting so far from the cup-shaped seed vessel as to be
visible on the upper side of the frond.

(29) L.Cunninghamii (Mr. Cunningham). A re-
markably handsome fern, sometimes standing 4 feet
from the ground. Recognised most readily by the beau-
tiful contour of the fronds, the lovely contrast between
the cinnamon-brown stalks and the deep-greep leaves,
the lighter shade or milky-white of the under surface,
and the remarkable shape and position of the seeds.

Description. — Root long, stout, creeping, densely covered with
red-brown hairs. Stalks 1 to 2 feet high, light-brown when ma-
ture, smooth, polished, sometimes partially fluted. Fronds 9 to
24 inches long by 6 to 12 inches broad, texture firm, green, light-
green, often yellow-green above, light-green or milky-white be-
low. Seeds conspicuous, inserted in the notches.

North Island: In woods from Kaitaia and Mangonui south-
wards to Te Aroha, somewhat scarce and local. Sea-level to
1,200 feet.

Loxsoma

SIZE, 13in. x 9jin.

(29) LOXSOMA CUNNINGHAMII. WAITEMATA.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side — Green Variety.

New Zealand Ferns

This is one of the rare ferns of the world; it repre-
sents a genus of but one species ; by far the most inter-
esting fern in New Zealand. This somewhat bald des-
cription gives a very inadequate notion of the unique
position held by this remarkable plant. By way of illus-
tration, it might be supposed that, of the Order Ranu-
culus, consisting of 30 genera, one, the clematis, was
represented by a single species, found only in the north
of New Zealand. That is to say, this beautiful family
of climbers would be known to mankind only by this one
species. In its way, Loxsoma is just as beautiful as
Clematis, and it is known to the world only from this
limited locality in the north of New Zealand.

I shall never forget finding it for the first time. I had
not been many months in New Zealand, and my only
source of information about the ferns was represented
by an album of dried specimens, which did not contain
Loxsoma, so that it struck me with all the novely of an
original discovery. On a journey from the Northern
Wairoa to Auckland, I. arrived at Helensville several
hours before the train left for Riverhead. Being young
and full of zeal, I determined to walk across, a distance
of 15 miles, in the hope of getting something new for my
collection. I found absolutely nothing until crossing a
small creek close to my destination. I can claim but little
skill or sagacity in finding it, for the Loxsoma actually
hit me in the face before I noticed anything unusual. A
single glance told me it was something new, an examina-
tion of the seeds that it was of a different genus from
any fern I had seen. I called it “The Riverhead Fern."
Many months elapsed before I met with anyone who
could tell me its name.

It is fairly easy to grow. The young stalks, of a pale
tender green, rise from the ground, slowly uncurl until
the first leaves appear, the whole frond maturing in due
course. I know of no colour like that of the young' frond
( Pteris incisa approaching it most nearly), a soft, eth-
ereal pastel green, as if Nature had put in a little white

Loxsoma

SIZE, 8in. x 12in.

(29a) LOXSOMA CUNNINGHAMII. KERI ICERI.

A Small Specimen. Under Side — White Variety.

New Zealand Ferns

and a little blue pigment when mixing the colours on
her palette. As the leaf matures this soft virginal colour
gives place to a darker green — a more weather-beaten
shade. There is something free and bold about the
contour of the leaf, so very distinctive that one can
recognise the species from a single barren leaflet. The
curious seeds protrude so far beyond the cup-shaped
vessel in which they rest as to be plainly visible on the
upper side of the leaf.

The botanist responsible for the naming of this rare
fern does not seem to have been endowed with much
imagination, for here, if anywhere, was room for its dis-
play. Does the name advertise its extreme rarity, the
lovely colour, the elegant outline of the frond, or the very
unusual shape of the seeds? Nothing of the sort; it is
merely “Cunningham’s fern with the oblique band,” in
allusion to a microscopic peculiarity of the seeds, and to
the man who first recorded its discovery. With all due
respect to the great botanist, the discovery of this fern
was no very wonderful feat; it might have discovered
itself by hitting him in the face, as was my case. Why
should this remarkable fern be cumbered with a name
suggesting so little of interest? It is no answer to say
that a name is of no importance ; not only is a good name
as easy to invent as a bad one, but it is much easier to
remember.

Loxsoma

A NEW ZEALAND DRYAD

New Zealand Ferns

IV. CYATHEA

CYATHEA (cyathos, a cup). A genus of 120
species, with 4 in New Zealand. Large tree-ferns, their
classification based on a microscopic difference in the
seed vessel — a cup surrounding the base of the seeds.

C. DEALBATA

(30) C. dealbata (whitish). “Tonga,” ‘'Silver King.”
There is no mistaking this noble tree-fern; the pure
white underside of the fronds must attract the notice of
the veriest tyro.

Description. — Trunk 10 to 30 feet high, about 8 inches thick,
stalks rather slender, clothed at the base with shining dark-brown
scales, elsewhere covered with yellow-brown hairs that drop ofif
as the frond becomes older. Fronds numerous, spreading hori-
zontally, 6 to 12 feet long by 2 to 4 feet broad, green or yellow-
green above, pure white below from a coating of deciduous
powder. Seeds small, round, copious, contained in a cup-shaped
vessel.

Abundant throughout the Dominion, perhaps the most gen-
erally distributed among the arborescent species. Sea-level to
2.000 feet.

Cyathea

SIZE, -ljin. x 9in.

(30) CYATHEA DEALBATA. WAITEMATA.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

New Zealand Ferns

The numbers of this handsome tree-fern are almost
incredible; not only does one come across them in end-
less groves, but they are scattered everywhere among
the vegetation, singly and in groups. The warm, nut-
brown colour of the trunks makes a pleasing contrast to
the surrounding greenery.

The “bunga” of the bushman, used for all manner of
purposes — fences, verandah posts, even for making
roads. It puts forth its principal growth in the spring,
when every tree is crowned with a ring of light-brown
crooks. Compared with C. medullaris , its growth is
slow, and the feathery crown is more horizontal, not so
curved. When growing from the side of a ravine, the
stem often leans towards the stream, and then, with a
graceful curve, regains the vertical. Although unusually
abundant, this species is almost restricted to the Domin-
ion, being reported with certainty only from Lord Howe
Island.

(31) C. medullaris (pithy). “Korau,” “Mamaku,”
“Black tree-fern.” The tallest of the tree-ferns, the
great spreading crown supported on a slender black
stem. Monarch of the grove. The curved fronds, cover-
ing an area 36 feet across, make a picture of unsurpass-
ing splendour.

Description. — Trunks 20 to 50 feet high, or even more in old
plants, furnished at the base with hard thick buttresses formed
of matted aerial rootlets from 1 to 2\ feet in diameter, tapering
to the trunk proper, which is slender for its height — 7 to 8 inches
through, black, and decorated with a formal hexagonal pattern
running diagonally round the stem. Stalks stout, clothed at the
base with copious black scales. Fronds numerous, 20 to 30 in

Cyathea

SIZE, 24in. x 9in.

(31) CYATHEA MEDULLARIS. AUCKLAND.

A Small Specimen. Under Side.

New Zealand Ferns

a crown, curving, 8 to 20 feet long by 3 to 5 feet broad, darkish
green above, paler beneath, texture firm. Midrib more or less
clothed with silky tawny hairs. Seeds very numerous.

Abundant throughout the Dominion, except the east coast of
Canterbury and Otago. Sea-level to 2,000 feet.

One of the tallest and handsomest tree-ferns in the
world. It is seen to the greatest advantage when grow-
ing on a river bank, overhanging the water. One that
grew on the river bank below my house at Whangarei
measured 6i feet. I used to swim on my back in the pool
below, and look up at the blue sky through its feathery
fronds. It died of old age. I should imagine they do not
live very long', rarely, if ever, attaining man’s allotted
span. On several occasions I have tested its rate of
growth ; it averages, roughly, a foot a year up to ten
years, possibly it may be slower as they become old.

The fronds keep appearing all the year round. Who
has not admired the majestic unrolling crooks densely
covered with dark-brown scales to protect the tender life
from sun and wind? It is averred that the Maori got
his beautiful scrolls for carving and tattooing from the
tree-fern. I had one growing near a totara tree, whose
quickly spreading branches gradually thrust it out of
the perpendicular. After an unusually wet winter and
spring, it sent up a grand crown of fronds, more than
the sloping trunk could support, for it snapped off close
to the ground. It had been planted a seedling 1 1 years
before, and had attained a height of io feet. I dug a
hole, placed it in and rammed it tight, like a fencing post.
After struggling through the summer, it began to put
out new fronds, and now shows signs of complete re-
covery.

I can remember as a young man being shown the
largest tree-fern in Scotland. The glasshouse had been
specially raised to accommodate its aspiring head — it
was 4 feet high! a poor, scraggy specimen, but almost
venerated by its owner. In New Zealand they are seldom
less than 20 feet when mature, and so abundant that the

Cyathea

(31a) TREE-FERN, 61 FEET HIGH (CYATHEA MEDULLARIS)

HATEA RIVER, WH ANGARE1.

New Zealand Ferns

settlers look upon them as only an encumbrance, to be
cut down and burnt out of the way as soon as possible.

The pith of the trunk and lower part of the stalks —
from which the species receives its name — was formerly
baked by the Maoris for food; when properly prepared
it resembled dried apples.

This splendid fern is easily cultivated, growing luxuri-
antly on the lawns about Auckland, and giving to the
suburbs quite a distinctive appearance.

The perfection of growth is well illustrated by the
expanded frond. I have counted no less than 40,000
leaflets on one frond, all perfect, not one missing or de-
formed. No doubt the same may be said of most of Na-
ture’s work, it is only more visible to the eye in the prim
regularity of a fern.

The rate of growth in the different species of tree-
ferns varies considerably. Cyathca medullaris grows
about a foot a year; I doubt if Cyatlica dcalbata grows
more than 4 inches. The growth of the fronds I have
measured more exactly. The plants were two years old.

Greatest Average

Daily growth Daily growth

Dicksonia squcirrosa 2fin. lfin.

Dicksonia lanata 2fin. lfin.

Cyathca dcalbata lfin. fin.

Cyathca medullaris 4in. 2in.

These measurements were taken from 14 tree-ferns
during the months of September and October.

A pumpkin runner averaged 6 inches a day for a
month.

It is hard to believe that so soft and tender a plant as
a fern could possess anything so harsh as a thorn. On
visiting one of the remnants of real forest near Umtali,
in Rhodesia, my guide assured me that the tree-ferns
had thorns. I scoffed at the idea, but not for long. As
I descended the steep path my foot slipped, and to save
myself I grabbed the nearest support. I let go with a
cry of pain, for it had torn my hand. Instead of showing

Cyathea

sympathy my guide laughed and pointed upwards — it
was a tree-fern! the trunk very slender, perhaps 15 feet
high, with a lovely spreading top. Not only were there
thorns on the trunk, but even the lower part of the leaf-
stalks was similarly provided.

In the ’eighties of last century the market price for
tree-ferns in London ranged from £5 to £47. A few
years ago Maori women peddled young tree-ferns from
door to door in Auckland, exchanging them readily for
an old skirt.

Found also in South-east Australia, Tasmania, and
several of the Pacific Islands.

New Zealand Ferns

(32) C.Milnei (Mr. Milne). A noble tree-fern, allied
to C. mcdullaris, but sufficiently distinct to be classified
as a separate species. Found only on the Kermadec
Islands.

Description. — Trunk 20 to 40 feet high, 1 foot in diameter
at the base. Leaf-stalks stout, thickly clothed at the base with
scales. Fronds numerous. 6 to 18 feet long by 2 to 4 feet broad,
dark-green above, paler beneath. Seeds copious, rather large.

Kermadec Islands : Sunday Island, abundant from sea-level to
the top of the highest hills — 1,700 feet.

Cyathea

SIZE, 16in. x 8in.

(32) CYATHEA MILNEI. KERMADEC ISLANDS.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

New Zealand Ferns

(33) C.Cunninghamii (Mr. Cunningham). “Gully
Fern.” A graceful tree-fern, very similar to C. medul -
laris, but smaller, the trunk more slender — usually only
half the diameter — the fronds less robust, wider in pro-
portion to their length, more irregularly curved, not so
drooping, more membranous. Midribs covered with yel-
lowish hairs. Seeds smaller.

Description. — Trunk 8 to 20 feet or more high, 3 to 3^ inches
diameter. Often coated at the base with matted aerial rootlets.
Leaf-stalks rather slender. Fronds numerous, 20 to 30; 6 to 10
feet long by 2 to 4 feet broad, almost membranous, flaccid, dark-
green above, paler beneath. Seeds copious.

North Island: Bay of Islands, Whangarei, Great Barrier, Wai-
takere, Hunua ; Wellington — Hutt Valley. South Island : Nel-
son. Chatham Islands. Sea-level to 1,500 feet.

After fully describing the trunks and fronds of the
tree-ferns, their beauties are not nearly exhausted. The
fibrous trunks form natural hanging gardens for innu-
merable species of ferns and mosses, besides many flow-
ering plants. I have observed some 40 or 50 species of
ferns flourishing in this airy situation, from mats of
tiny filmy ferns, pellucid cups of the kidney fern, to long
pendulous fronds of Hymenophyllum scabnnn and H.
dilatatum; several species of climbing Polypodium and
Lomaria; handsome fronds of Aspidium capense richly
decorated with patches of black seeds; picturesque tufts
of Aspleniuni falcatum , the broad shining leaves of A.
lucidum; great hirsute fronds of N ephrodium hispidum,
and the twining mange-mange, etc., etc.

Cyathea

SIZE, 19in. x 14) in.

(33) CYATHEA CUNNINGHAM 1 1.

A Large Specimen. UnderSide. (See also past 149)

WHANGAREI.

New Zealand Ferns

V. HEMITELIA

HEM] TELIA (half complete). A genus of 45
species of tree-ferns, with one species and one recognised
variety in New Zealand; not so big as Cyathea, from
which it differs in the smaller size of the cup-shaped
vessel supporting the seeds.

H. SMITHII

(34) H. Smithii (Mr. Smith). Named after John
Smith, curator of Kew Gardens. A very beautiful tree-
fern, with the most tender foliage of any New Zealand
arborescent species; easily recognised by the soft woolly
scales of a light straw colour about the base of the
fronds.

Description. — Trunk 6 to 25 feet high, about 9 inches dia-
meter. Stalks slender, clothed at the base with a dense brush of
chestnut-brown scales. Fronds numerous, spreading horizontally.
5 to 9 feet long by 1J to 2J feet broad, thin and membranous,
bright fresh green. Seeds copious.

Abundant throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to 2,000 feet.

The species is easy of cultivation, though usually neg-
lected for the more showy tree-ferns. The trunk is some-
times branched. It is found in the Auckland Islands
(South latitude 47.20), the extreme limit of arborescent
ferns, and is confined to New Zealand.

(35) Var. microphylla (small leaved). Fronds fewer,
soft, delicately membranous, pale grass-green, more fine-
ly divided. Habitat similar to the foregoing.

Hemitelia

SIZE, loin, x 2iin.

(34) HEMITELIA SMITHII. WAITAKERE.

A Small Specimen. Under Side.

100

New Zealand Ferns

VI. ALSOPHILA

ALSOPHILA (alsos, grove; philo, love). A
genus of about 120 species, with one in New Zealand.
Tree-ferns mostly tropical; the stem low or prostrate on
the ground. A mountain species ; the seed-covering alto-
gether absent.

A. COLENSOI

(36) A. Colensoi (Mr. Colenso). “The Golden
Tree Fern.” A semi-prostate tree-fern found on the
mountains of the interior.

Description. — Stem long, prostrate, rooting, seldom more than
8 inches in circumference, sometimes erect or ascending at the tip
and attaining a height of 3 to 5 feet. Stalks short, densely cov-
ered with pale-brown scales. Fronds 2 to 5 feet long by f to
2 feet broad, membranous, yellowish-green or reddish-brown.
Seeds conspicuous. Upper part of stalks and midribs thickly
clothed with red-brown hairs intermixed with pale-coloured
scales.

North Island: Mountains of the interior from Hikurangi and
Mount Egmont southwards. South Island: Not uncommon in
the sub-alpine forests throughout. Usually between 2,000 and
4,000 feet, descending to low levels in South Otago.

The hardiest of our tree-ferns; easily cultivated. Con-
fined to New Zealand.

Alsophila

101

SIZE, 13ain. x 4|in.

(36) ALSOPHILA COLENSOI. PICTON.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

102

New Zealand Ferns

VII. DICKSONIA

DICIvSONIA (named after James Dickson, a
British cryptogamist). A genus of about 25 species,
with 3 in New Zealand; usually medium-sized tree-
ferns. Seeds marginal, contained in a two-valved vessel.

D. SQUARROSA

(37) D . squarrosci (rough). “Wheki.” A medium-
sized tree-fern, with slender trunk and leaf-stalks, fronds
nearly horizontal, easily recognised by the red-brown
dead leaves that hang down the stem from under the
crown.

Description. — Trunk 6 to 20 feet high, slender, black or dark-
brown. Stalks slender, dark-brown or black at the base, paler
above, clothed when young with long darDbrown hairs, nearly
smooth when old. Fronds 4 to 8 feet long by 2 to 3J feet broad,
rigid, harsh to the touch, dark-green, paler below. Seeds rather
large, copious, covering the whole back of the frond.

Abundant throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to 2,500 feet.

This slender, somewhat trim species of tree-fern is
confined to New Zealand, where it is exceedingly abun-
dant. The trunk occasionally branches, and sometimes
produces adventitious buds along its whole length
crowned with miniature fronds. It is easily cultivated.

Dicksonia

103

SIZE, 13jin. x 33in.

(37) DICKSONIA SQUARROSA.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side. ( See aha pane 159)

AUCKLAND.

104

New Zealand Ferns

(38) D. fibrosa (fibrous). “Wheki-ponga.” A me-
dium-sized tree-fern, with a stout columnar trunk every-
where thickly coated with matted, fibrous aerial root-
lets; not found in the North.

Description. — Trunk 8 to 20 feet high, stout, columnar, coated
with matted aerial rootlets, giving it a diameter when mature of
from 1 to 2 feet. Stalks very short, clothed at the base with
bright red-brown scales. Fronds numerous, 30 or more, spread-
ing, 4 to 8 feet long by 1^ to 2 feet broad, not so harsh as D.
squarrosa. Seeds small, very numerous, covering the whole back
of the frond.

From Tauranga and middle Waikato southwards abundant.
Sea-level to 2,500 feet.

A handsome, sturdy-looking species very closely allied
to D. antarctica, and so named in the earlier works, but
it is a much smaller plant, with smaller seeds. Confined
to New Zealand. The Maoris used to slice the outside
of the trunk into slabs for the construction of their food-
houses (whare puni), as they found the fibrous material
almost impervious to rats. An easily cultivated plant,
the spreading crown hardly affected by sun or wind.

Dicksonia

105

SIZE, lOlin. x 2iin.

(38) DICKSONIA FIBROSA.

A Large Specimen. Under Side.

PICTON.

106

New Zealand Ferns

(39) D. lanata (woolly). A semi-erect tree-fern;
easily distinguished from the other Dicksonias by its
short trunk, or absence of a trunk, and the broader,
iaxer fronds.

Description. — Trunk usually long, prostrate and rooting — as
thick as the wrist — more rarely stout, erect, attaining a height of
from 3 to 6 feet. Stalks from half as long to quite as long as the
frond, pale, smooth, clothed at the base with brown scales ; when
young the upper part, together with the midrib, covered with soft
woolly hairs. Fronds few, 3 to 6 feet long by 1 to 3 feet broad,
thick, but hardly rigid, green to yellowish-green above, paler be-
neath. Seeds copious.

North Island: Hilly forests from Mangonui to Cook Strait,
somewhat scarce and local. South Island: Nelson — Massacre
Bay, Pakawa ; Westland — Okarito ; Canterbury — Banks Penin-
sula. Sea-level to 2.000 feet.

At Whangarei and further north this species usually
possesses a short trunk, but to the south it is invariably
stemless. It is an easy plant to cultivate. Four years ago
I brought a seedling from Whangarei and planted it in
Auckland. It will he interesting to see if it produces a
stem similar to the parent plant. So far it has not, al-
though it has put forth several seeded fronds, a sign
of maturity.

Dicksonia

107

SIZE, loin, x 4lin.

(39) DICKSONIA LANATA. WHANGAREI.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

108

New Zealand Ferns

VIII. DAVALLIA

DAYALLIA (named to honour Edmond Davall,
a Swiss botanist). A genus of over ioo species, with
two authentic species in New Zealand, both medium-
sized plants.

Seeds in small globular vessels near the margins of
the leaflets.

(40) D. Tasmani (named to honour Tasman). Should
any of my readers have the good fortune to land on the
Three Kings Islands, they can hardly fail to find this
fern, which its discoverer describes as abundant.

Description. — Root long, stout, as thick as the finger, densely
clothed with chestnut-brown scales. Stalks strong, rigid, smooth,
3 to 9 inches long. Fronds 4 to 12 inches long by 3 to 9 inches
broad, very thick and leathery, quite smooth. Seeds numerous, in
cup-shaped vessels on the margins of the leaflets.

Three Kings Islands, abundant.

This most interesting fern was found by Mr. T. F.
Cheeseman. Up to the present it has been reported from
nowhere else in the world than these minute islets. In
all its aspects it is much more like D. solida, a common
Pacific species, than D. novae scalandiae. It is strange
that it should have skipped the Kermadec Islands, which
are several hundred miles nearer the headquarters of
the genus, from whence the ancestor of the plant must
have come and established itself on these small islets.
This must have occurred at a remote period, to account
for its divergence from its nearest ally.

Davallia

109

SIZE, lOiin. x 6in.

(40) DAVALLIA TASMANI. THREE KINGS ISLANDS.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

New Zealand Ferns

(41) D. novae zealancliae (New Zealand). A very
handsome species, with wide-spreading finely-cut fronds
of a lace-like texture, and numerous small seeds in de-
tached vessels near the margins of the leaflets.

Description. — Root long, branched, wide-creeping, as thick as
a quill, clothed with yellowish-brown scales. Stalks 6 to 18 inches
long, red-brown, firm, erect, rough and bristly at the base, smooth
and polished above. Fronds 1 to 2 feet long by 6 to 12 inches
broad. Seeds very numerous, contained in round-shaped vessels.

North and South Islands, in woods from Mangonui to Fo-
veaux Strait, but often local. Sea-level to 2,000 feet.

An elegant and very distinct species with an unusually
fine-cut frond. It makes a beautiful specimen for the
herbarium. Mr. Thomson reports it as growing readily
under cultivation. It is found only in New Zealand.

Note. — D. FORSTERI is only known from Forster’s speci-
mens preserved in the British Museum Flerbarium and labelled
“Dusky Sound.” It has not been found since, and was possibly
collected in some of the Polynesian Islands, where the genus is
very abundant.

Davallia

111

SIZE, 13in. x Tain.

<«) DAVALLIA NOVAE ZEALANDIAE.

A Medium Specimen. LTnder Side.

PICTON.

112

New Zealand Ferns

IX. CYSTOPTERIS

CYSTOPTERIS (kystos, a cyst; pteris, a fern).
"Bladder Fern.” A genus of 5 species, with 1 in New
Zealand. A small tender fern; the seeds covered by an
egg-shaped envelope somewhat like a bladder.

(42) C. fragilis (fragile). A delicate, pale-green soft
little mountain fern, growing among the clefts of rocks
in dry open ground.

Description. — Root short, semi-erect, often branched near the
top, clothed with red-brown scales. Stalks 1 to 4 inches long,
slender, fragile, slightly scaly at base. Fronds 3 to 9 inches long
by 1 to 2 inches broad, pale-green, thin and membranous. Seeds
protected by a bladder-like covering.

North Island : Mount Egmont, Tararua Ranges, Wairarapa
Valiev. South Island: Not uncommon in mountainous districts
throughout. 1,000 to 4,000 feet.

This delicate, unobtrusive little fern is found all over
the world. Mr. Field describes it as growing easily
under cultivation if sheltered from the wind.

Cystopteris

113

SIZE, 8in. x 8in.

(42) CYSTOPTERIS FRAGILIS.

A Large Specimen.

MOUNT EGMONT.

Under Side.

114

New Zealand Ferns

X. LINDSAYA

LINDSAYA (to honour Dr. Lindsay, of Ja-
maica, a writer on the germination of mosses and ferns).
A very distinct genus of about 60 species, with 3 species
and 1 variety in New Zealand. Small, bright-green,
terrestrial ferns. The margins of the leaflets have the
appearance of being double, the seeds lying between.

L. TR1CHOMANOIDES

(43) L. linearis (narrow). A small, very narrow
fern, growing on poor, hungry land among light scrub;
a very distinct species.

Description. — Root slender, creeping, clothed with yellow-
brown scales. Stalks 2 to 9 inches long, slender, flexuous, wiry,
dark red-brown, smooth and glossy. Fronds 3 to 8 inches long
by Jin. broad, barren ones shorter, broader, and less erect than
the fertile, green to light-green. Seeds forming a continuous line
along the upper edge of the leaflets.

Plentiful on clay hills and cold swampy soils from the North
Cape to the East Cape ; rare and local in the South Island. Sea-
level to 2,000 feet.

Linds a ya

115

SIZE, 8in. x loin.

(13) LINDSAYA LINEARIS. KUMEU.

A Medium Specimen. Upper and Under Side.

116

New Zealand Ferns

This pretty little fern is no believer in self-advertise-
ment, for one rarely sees its trim fronds in the open. It
is only by searching among the manuka or light scrub
that one realises how plentiful it is in many localities.
Although growing in such poor soil, it is difficult to cul-
tivate; Mr. Field had recourse to a Wardian case before
he succeeded. I have been quite unsuccessful. It is also
found in Australia, Tasmania, Norfolk Island, and New
Caledonia.

(44) L. trichomanoides (resembling Trichomanes).
A little gem, perfect in all its aspects — outline, form,
colour; usually growing on dry banks in thick scrub or
bush. There is no mistaking the slender, polished,
golden-brown stalks, the deep-green leaves, the narrow
line of seeds round the margin.

Description. — Root slender, creeping, covered with reddish-
brown scales. Stalks 3 to 8 inches long, slender, polished, shining
red-brown, rather rigid. Fronds 3 to 8 inches long by l\ to 4
inches broad, texture firm, green to dark-green. Seeds forming
a continuous line round the margins of the leaflets.

Fairly abundant in the North Island ; local in the South Island.
Sea-level to 2,500 feet.

This lovely species varies greatly in appearance; the
more northern specimens are not so much divided or so
finely cut as those coming from further south.

It seems to grow well in a thin layer of vegetable
mould above poor, hungry clay soil, yet it is a difficult
species to transplant. Though I have tried many times,
the plants gradually faded and died. Found also in
Australia, Tasmania, and Fiji.

Lindsaya

117

SIZE, llin. x lOin.

(44) LINDSAYA TRICHOMANOIDES.

A Large Specimen. Under and LTpper Side.

KOKAKO.

118

New Zealand Ferns

I have illustrated a form of this species that grew
plentifully near Picton (44a), formerly classed as Lind-
saya micro pliylla. In my judgment it diverges further
from L. tricJwmanoides than does Lessonii.

Lindsay a

119

SIZE, 7in. x 7lm.

(44a) LINDSAYA MICROPHYLLA. PICTON.

A Medium Specimen. Upper and Under Side.

120

New Zealand Ferns

(45) t ar.Lessonii (M. Lesson). Leaflets spreading
laterally, not so much divided, the final divisions larger.
It is the more usual form in the Auckland district. The
curves of the leaflets are absolutely perfect in outline.

Lindsaya

121

SIZE, 12in. x 9in.

(45) LINDSAYA TRICHOMANOIDES, VAR. LESSONI. KAIPARA.

A Large Specimen. Under Side. All five fronds are growing from one stalk.

122

New Zealand Ferns

(46) L.viridis (green). A very beautiful little fern,
always found growing on dripping rocks set in a bed of
moss, and usually shunning the sunlight. The long, nar-
row fronds are inclined to be pendulous. When seen
growing on a shaded slope of moss-covered rock in
crowded tufts, they give one the impression of intense,
vivid green.

Description. — Root very short, inclined, not erect. Stalks
densely tufted, 1 to 4 inches long, slender, wiry, dark chestnut-
brown, polished and shining. Fronds 6 to 14 inches long by 1 to
H inches broad, bright-green to pale-green, firm in texture, mid-
rib sinuous. Seeds very numerous, in a short line at the tips of
the leaflets. A somewhat rare species.

North Island: Great Barrier, Little Barrier, Thames, Hender-
son, Huia Creek. Mauku, between Tauranga and Rotorua, East
Cape, Mount Egmont, Upper Wanganui to Tararua Ranges.
South Island: Massacre Bay, Torrent Bay, near Hokitika,
Sounds of West Coast.

Mr. Field describes this species as not very difficult
to grow if supplied with sufficient moisture; personally,
I have not been very successful. It is the rarest of
the New Zealand Lindsayas and is found in no other
country.

Lindsaya

123

SIZE, llin. x 5:n.

(46) LINDSAYA VIRIDIS. HENDERSON.

A Medium Specimen. Under and Upper Side.

124

New Zealand Ferns

XI. ADIANTUM

ADIANTUM (adiantos, unwetted; from the
property the leaves have of throwing off water). “Maid-
enhair,” so called from the slender, hair-like stalks, or
because it is sometimes made into a wash to promote
the growth of hair. A very distinct genus of about 80
species, with 6 species and 1 variety in New Zealand.
Seeds marginal, kidney-shaped in the New Zealand
species.

A. FULVUM

(47) A. aethiopicum (African). “Makaka,” “The
True Maidenhair.” Easily distinguished by the small
roundish leaflets and the black, hair-like stalks. Usually
growing in masses to the exclusion of other plants be-
neath manuka or small scrub.

Description. — Root creeping, sending out suckers. Stalks 4
to 10 inches high, very slender, dark-brown, almost black, shining,
smooth. Fronds 6 to 12 inches long by 3 to 6 inches broad, erect
or drooping, pale-green, very thin and membranous. Secondary
leaf-stalks hair-like. Seeds placed in notches on the outer margins
of the leaflets.

North Island: Plentiful in lowland districts from the North
Cape to the Thames and Waikato ; from thence rare and local to
Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki. South Island doubtful.

Adiantum

125

SIZE, llin. x 9iin.

(17) ADIANTUM AETHIOPICUM.

A Large Specimen. Under Side.

MURIWAI.

126

New Zealand Ferns

A most graceful species, almost indispensable for
bridal bouquets. Although called “The Real Maiden-
hair,” in distinction from the five other New Zealand
species, it differs slightly from A. capillus veneris —
the Maidenhair of Europe — by the larger fronds and
smaller leaflets. However, as the stalks are just as hair-
like, I think it is equally entitled to the name.

The persistence of some small weak plants is very
remarkable. I first gathered this fern in 1878 at Muri-
wai, near Helensville, at that time a populous Maori
settlement, presided over by one of the old-time cannibal
chiefs, a fine upstanding old man of eighty years, with
all his teeth intact — no doubt a useful equipment in his
young days. The fern grew in some high manuka just
beyond the village; but there were no other trees in the
vicinity. I next visited the spot 38 years later. Not only
had the rangatira departed, but every vestige of the
settlement was gone — the whares, the kumara fields, and
the manuka. There was literally nothing to show where
the village had been. The only thing to fix the spot in
my memory — collectors know how rooted in one’s recol-
lection is the scene of a first find — was a large patch of
the soft green maidenhair, shaded by umbrageous trees.
The Maoris had vanished, the manuka was gone, yet,
notwithstanding the advent of large trees, the humble
little fern still held its ground.

It is a widely-distributed species in both tropical and
sub-tropical countries. Easily grown, either in pots or
in the fernery.

Adiantum

127

'ART OF MY FERNERY. AUCKLAND

128

New Zealand Ferns

(48) A. diaphanum (semi-transparent). The small-
est— referring to the whole frond — of the New Zealand
species; either a single leaf or branched once or twice.
Growing on dry banks under the shade of bushes.

Description. — Root very short, tufted; rootlets long, fibrous,
densely hairy, bearing numerous small tubers. Stalks 2 to 6 inches
long, very slender, almost hair-like, purplish-brown or nearly
black, wiry, slightly scaly towards the base. Fronds 3 to 6 inches
long, rarely more, either single or branched once to twice, each
leaf ?in. to 1 inch wide, thin and membranous, dark-green. Seeds
placed in the notches of the upper and outer margins of the leaf-
lets, surfaces sparingly covered with minute black hairs.

North Island: Not uncommon in woods at low elevation,
usually in rich alluvial soil. South Island: Apparently rare and
local. Nelson — Bateman’s Gully, Collingwood ; Canterbury— gorge
of the Rakaia ; Otago — various localities. Sea-level to 1,000 feet.

This modest little fern, though easily grown, is gen-
erally neglected in favour of its more showy brethren.
Outside New Zealand it is a widely-spread species.

Adiantum

129

(48) ADIANTUM DIAPHANUM.

A Large Specimen.

AUCKLAND.

Under Side.

SIZE, llin. x 8iin.

130

New Zealand Fekns

(49) J cir. polymorphum (many shaped). Fronds
smaller, pale-green ; leaves usually simple, rarely
branched at the base ; surface of the leaves quite smooth.
Much the same habitat as A. diaphannm.

Adiantum

131

SIZE, 9in. x -tlm.

(49) ADIANTUM DIAPHANUM, VAR. POLYMORPHUM.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

HAWKE’S RAY.

132

New Zealand Ferns

(50) A. hispidulum (bristly). This differs from the
other maidenhairs in the stiff, harsh texture of the
fronds, their broad fan-shaped outline, the bright red
colour of the young leaves, and its habit of growing in
the open.

Description. — Root short, stout, creeping. Stalks 6 to 15
inches long, stout, erect, rough to the touch, dark-brown or al-
most black. Fronds broad, 6 to 12 inches or more across, widely
fan-shaped, green to olive-green, often bright-red or reddish-
brown when young; midribs rough and hairy. Seeds numerous,
placed in the notches of the upper and outer margins.

North Island : Abundant as far south as East Cape and Rag-
lan, from thence southwards rare and local to Cook Strait. South
Island : Nelson — Bishopdale.

The fronds, usually with ten points in two groups of
five like a pair of hands, when young are a bright pink,
and make a very beautiful object when spangled with
dew, the light scintillating through the drops as from
burnished copper. At certain seasons a bank will be
rosy-red with the opening crooks, for this hardy species
braves the fiercest sunlight. I experienced no difficulty
in growing it in my fernery. I have seen it badly cut at
Whangarei by an unusually sharp frost. It is a widely-
spread species.

Adiantum

133

SIZE, Ulin. x 9iin.

(50) ADIANTUM HISPIDULUM.

. A Large Specimen.

WHANGAREI.

Under Side.

134

New Zealand Ferns

(51) A. formosum (beautiful). The largest of the
New Zealand maidenhairs, apparently confined to two
districts — the Northern Wairoa and the Manawatu and
its tributaries. A handsome, branching fern, with small
leaflets.

Description. — Root long, stout, creeping, scaly. Stalk 1 to 3
feet high, purplish-black or quite black, shining, sometimes hairy
towards the base, rough throughout. Fronds 1-^ to 3 feet long
by 12 to 20 inches broad, dark-green, texture firm, under surface
smooth, or bearing scattered hairs. Midrib sinuous, black and
glossy. Seeds numerous, placed in shallow depressions at the top
of the leaflets.

Alluvial banks of Northern Wairoa. Manawatu River and its
tributaries from Woodville to below Palmerston North.

A very handsome species, sometimes attaining a
height of 5 feet, with more than 20 branches and 1,000
leaflets. Mr. Field, who calls it “The Plumed Maiden-
hair/’ also states that it is easily grown in light sandy
loam, but it is difficult to transplant on account of the
deep roots. Found also in Eastern Australia.

Adiantum

135

SIZE, 12lin. x 9iin.

(51) ADIANTUM FORMOSUM. NORTHERN WAIROA.

A Small Specimen. Under Side.

136

New Zealand Ferns

(52) A. affine (related). A lowland fern, fond of
dry shady slopes; the most abundant maidenhair in New
Zealand, with large-leaved straggling fronds.

Description. — Root long, creeping, stout, clothed with glossy
dark chestnut-brown scales. Stalks 4 to 12 inches long, stout,
erect, shining-black, rough and scaly at the very base, smooth
and polished above. Fronds 6 to 15 inches long by 3 to 9 inches
broad, green to pale-green above, usually sea-green below, quite
smooth. Seeds numerous, rather large, placed in small notches
on the upper and outer margins of the leaflets.

Abundant throughout the Dominion.

A very variable species in size, the amount of branch-
ing of the frond, and the shape of the leaflets. When
growing on rock faces it is often dwarfed to an inch or
two. It is easily cultivated. Found also in Australia.

Adiantum

137

SIZE, 13|in. x 9in.

(52) ADIANTUM AFFINE. KAIPARA.

A Large Specimen. Under Side.

138

New Zealand Ferns

(53) A. fulvum (tawny). The written description of
this species differs but little from A. affine, yet a glance
at the illustration shows a marked divergence. The
fronds are a darker green, the under surface is not sea-
green, the leaflets are narrower and more pointed, the
stalks are rougher, and the whole frond more symmetri-
cal.

The roughened stalk and the presence of tawny hairs
upon the midribs distinguish this species most certainly
from A. affine, but their detection requires the aid of a
lens.

Description. — Root long, creeping, clothed with brown scales.
Stalk 4 to 12 inches long, erect, dark reddish-brown or almost
black, rough to the touch, scaly at the base. Fronds 6 to 15 inches
long by 3 to 9 inches broad, olive-green or pale-green, not sea-
green below. Midribs more or less covered with stiff tawny hairs.
Seeds usually numerous, in shallow notches on the upper mar-
gins of the leaflets.

North and South Islands : Lowland districts as far south as
Banks Peninsula, not uncommon.

This species is connected by intermediate forms with
A. affine. It is found also in Norfolk Island, New South
Wales, and Fiji.

Adiantum

139

SIZE, 13 Jin. x 9Jin.

(53) ADIANTUM FULVUM.

KAIPARA.

140

New Zealand Ferns

XII. HYPOLEPIS

HYPOLEPIS (hypo, under; lepis, a scale). A
genus of 12 species, with 4 in New Zealand. Large to
medium-sized branching ferns. Seeds small, placed in
the notches of the leaflets. Margin of the leaf modified
and curved so as partly to cover the seeds.

H. DISTANS

(54) H. tenui folia (thin-leaved). A large, branching-
species; the soft pale-green fronds yielding to the touch.
Usually found on the edge of bush or in clearings.

Description. — Roots long, stout, creeping, clothed with red-
brown scales. Stalks 1 to 2 feet high or more, strong, erect, brown
or yellow-brown, usually scaly towards the base. Fronds 1 to
feet long by 6 inches to 2 feet broad, pale-green, membranous,
midribs covered with soft white hairs. Seeds numerous, small, at
the bottom of the notches, shaped like an ear.

Abundant throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to 2,000 feet.

Hypolepis

141

SIZE, 13in. x 6iin.

(54) HYPOI.EPIS TENUIFOLIA.

A Large Specimen. Under Side.

AUCKLAND.

142

New Zealand Ferns

After making several long and fruitless journeys in
search of a young plant for my fernery, I discovered a
seedling growing on a wall in my garden. It afforded
me continual interest to watch its rapid development
when moved to a suitable site. After sending up a few
small fronds it became firmly established, putting out
strong roots as thick as my finger and covered with
dark-brown hairs, which crept boldly over the surface
of the ground, each being preceded by a blunt foot of a
lovely pellucid green thickly coated with white hairs.
The growing end gradually widened and eventually
divided, one part continuing to creep over the ground,
the other rising in the form of a circular crook, of a
pure indescribable green, softened by the clothing of
white hairs, which were not thick enough to conceal the
symmetrical outline. In a few days the handsome un-
folding crozier stood majestically on a tall green column,
the folded leaves packed so closely as to resemble a
tightly-clenched fist. Then it divided and sent out two
lateral crooks, which gradually disclosed their hidden
treasures.

Within six months of planting out the seedling of
H. tcnuifolia, it had developed into a robust plant with
strong roots radiating in all directions, great branching
fronds nearly 6 feet long and 5 feet wide, of a soft ten-
der green, yielding to the touch, and the seeds fully
developed.

It is a most variable fern ; in habit and general appear-
ance very close to Polypodium punctatum. The partial
seed covering is sometimes so feebly developed that the
technical distinction separating Hypolcpis from Poly-
podium is obliterated. It can usually be distinguished

Hypolepis

143

from the latter plant by the curved margin of the leaf
partially covering the seed, and the absence of sticky
hairs on the midrib.

Found also in Norfolk Island, Australia, the Pacific
Islands, and Java.

Note. — A description of the following new species was pub-
lished in the “Transactions of the New Zealand Institute” by
Mr. H. Carse. 24th May, 1918.

144

New Zealand Ferns

Hypolepis Petrieana. A much smaller plant, and less
hairy than H. tenuifolia, usually growing in the open.

Description. — Root slender, creeping, thickly covered with
rusty scales. Stalks 4 to 6 inches long, rigid, moderately stout,
yellow, or the lower part brownish, somewhat rough, but free
from hairs. Fronds 12 to 14 inches long by 8 to 10 inches broad,
light-green. Midrib sparingly clothed with delicate hairs. Seeds
one, rarely two, on each ultimate division of the leaf.

North Island: Mangonui, Whangarei, Great Barrier, Port
Charles (Coromandel), and Otorohanga (Waipa County), Ken-
nedy Bay (Coromandel), Lower Waikato, Rotorua, Te Whaiti.

Hypolepis

145

SIZE, loin, x 12in,

(51a) HYPOLEPIS PETRIEANA. KENNEDY BAY.

A Small Specimen. Under Side.

146

New Zealand Ferns

(55) H. millefolium (thousand-leaved). One of the
most finely and openly cut of the New Zealand ferns.
A mountain species, confined in the North Island to the
high ranges of the interior. Wide-spread in the South
Island, frequenting open, hilly ground.

Description. — Root long, slender, creeping, naked or nearly
so. Stalks 3 to 9 inches long, rigid, erect, yellowish-brown, glossy,
smooth, or slightly rough. Fronds 6 to 18 inches long by 3 to 9
inches broad, pale-green, firm. Midribs clothed with scattered
hairs. Seeds numerous, placed in the notches of the leaflets.

North Island : East Cape, Ruapehu, Mount Egmont, Ruahine
Mountains, Manawatu Gorge, Tararua Ranges. South Island:
Not uncommon in mountain districts throughout. Usually 1,500
to 4,000 feet, but descends almost to sea-level in South Otago.

When growing in shade this fern has a beautiful,
lace-like texture. I first gathered it at Picton in 1878.
Setting out at dawn with the determination of scaling
the highest peak — Piri-piri, 3,200 feet — I plunged into
the narrow gorge above the railway viaduct. There was
absolutely no track of any kind, and the bush was so
dense, even on the summits of the mountains, that I had
recourse to breaking off twigs of the Panax to mark my
path for the return journey. There is no difficulty in
finding one’s way to the top of a bush-clad mountain,
but it is not so easy to keep to the main ridge coming
down, and a side spur would have landed me at the
bottom of a rocky gorge where progress was well nigh
impossible.

After a struggle of seven hours, which had yielded
nothing new in the way of ferns, I came within sight of
the summit, so crowded with gnarled birch trees, from
which hung: great festoons of moss and lichen as to rob

Hypolepis

147

SIZE, loin, x lOiin.

(55) HYPOLEPIS MILLEFOLIUM. PICTON.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

148

New Zealand Ferns

me of any view the lofty peak promised of the surround-
ing country — I only got glimpses of Port Underwood
between the tree trunks.

Upon the very apex, confined to a circuit of 150 yards,
the ground was carpeted a soft green with the recum-
bent fronds of this delicate fern. I searched all round,
but could find no trace of it below that central patch.
Though disappointed in my view, I was more than satis-
fied by the addition of this beautiful fern to my collec-
tion. The soft, tender fronds covered the ground with
an exc|uisite green lace-work in marked contrast to the
gnarled, hoarv-looking trees, bearded with moss, patri-
archs of the forest. The return journey, thanks to my
precaution with the Panax, was accomplished without
mishap.

According to Mr. Field, it is not easily cultivated in
the North Island, though it was successfully acclimatised
in the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. It is confined
to New Zealand.

Hypolepis

149

(33a) CYATHEA CUNNINGHAMII. FULL-GROWN TREE. WHANGAREI.

A full-grown tree-fern, about 26 feet high, the trunk 3in. to 3£in. diameter. Behind is the
head of a young C. medullar is. Observe the more curving, more robust fronds.

150

New Zealand Ferns

(56) H. distans (distant). A fragile and extremely
graceful fern, the leaflets, in opposite pairs, being fur-
ther apart than in others of the genus; usually growing
on mouldering tree stumps, decaying grass tussocks, or
any accumulation of light mould on the forest floor.

Description. — Roots creeping, slender, rigid, clothed with red-
brown scales. Stalks 3 to 9 inches long, slender, fragile, red-
brown, glossy, yet rough to the touch. Fronds 6 to 15 inches long
by 3 to 6 inches broad, bright-green to brownish-green, the
larger specimens prostrate and interlacing with one another.
Seeds small, placed in the indentations of the leaflets.

From the North Cape to South Otago, not common, usually
at low elevations.

A graceful, delicate fern that does not always shun
the sunbeams. It is not difficult to cultivate if planted
in light mould, where the slender roots can push their
way. Mr. Field describes it as looking very well when
grown in a hanging basket; the long drooping fronds
hang over the sides and interlace. Confined to New Zea-
land.

Hypolepis

151

SIZE, 14in. x lOlin.

^>MW

1 ^

m s

k^^MOjj. LuvUvu ti,,,

Sr V%///

\ /^^/JvvU < i «*.

j i /

(56) HYPOLEPIS DISTANS.

A Large Specimen. Under Side.

HUNUA.

152

New Zealand Ferns

XIII. CHEILANTHES

CHEILANTHES (cheilos, lip or margin; an-
thos, flower — the fructification on the margin). A genus
of 60 species, with 2 in New Zealand. Small upright
ferns, generally growing on rocks in the open. Seeds
along the margins of the leaves, which curve over in
indented folds.

S. SIEBER1

(57) C. tenuifolia (thin-leaved). A small upright
fern growing in exposed situations; the leaves bright
green, the shining stalks a golden-brown. A very much
scarcer species than C. Sieberi, from which it differs in
the width and shape of the frond. C. tenuifolia is,
roughly, half as broad as it is long, C. Sieberi only one-
sixth.

Description.— Root very short, clothed with silky scales. Stalks
3 to 9 inches long, wiry, erect, dark red-brown, smooth and
polished. Fronds 4 to 10 inches long by 2 to 4 inches broad,
rather membranous, yellow-green. Seeds along the margins of
the leaflets.

Auckland — near Tauranga; Flawke’s Bay — Mohaka; Welling-
ton— near Wanganui. South Island : Canterbury — Banks Penin-
sula; Otago — Lakes Wakatipu and Wanaka. Sea-level to 2,500
feet.

This is a wide-spread species. The New Zealand specimens
I have seen approach C. Sieberi much more closely than speci-
mens gathered in Samoa and Fiji. It is easily cultivated, pre-
ferring an open, dry situation.

Cheilanthes

153

SIZE, 7in. x 10|in.

(57) CHEILANTHES TENUIFOLIA. OTAGO.

Large to Medium Specimen. Under Side.

154

New Zealand Ferns

(58) C. Sieberi (Herr Sieber). A small species,
growing rigidly upright; the prim, narrow fronds rarely
exceeding an inch in width. Plentiful on the scoria fields
about Auckland — even upon the cinder slopes of Rangi-
toto.

Description. — Root short, stout, creeping, clothed with chest-
nut-brown scales. Stalks 3 to 9 inches long, erect, rigid, wiry,
bright chestnut-brown, polished. Fronds densely tufted, 3 to 9
inches long by fin. to If- inches broad, dark-green, smooth. Mid-
rib smooth and glossy. Seeds round the margins of the leaflets,
which curve over in indented folds.

North and South Islands, abundant in rocky places. Sea-level
to 2,500 feet.

Excepting Nothoclaena distans, which it closely resembles,
this quaint little species is quite unlike any other fern in New
Zealand. It grows on summits of rocks exposed to the blazing
sun — the very last place one would look for a fern. The trim
fronds, standing in serried ranks on their glossy brown stalks,
have the appearance of miniature pine forests.

According to Mr. Cheeseman this fern is often confused
with Nothoclaena distans; so far as I am concerned he might
have said “generally confused.” Until I grew the plants side by
side I was always in doubt.

The receptacle for the seeds by which the genus is deter-
mined is the most radical difference, but as this requires the aid
of a magnifying glass or very sharp eyes, one needs a readier
mode of discrimination. The unrolling fronds of C. Sieberi are
of a fresh green, almost naked; those of N. distans are so cov-
ered with white hairs as to look like little tufts of cotton wool.
In N. distans the leaflets are broader and blunter, and the whole
plant has a woolly appearance.

Found also in Australia, New Caledonia, and the Isle of
Pines.

Cheilanthes

155

(58) CHEILANTHES SIEBERI.

A Large Specimen. Under and Upper Side.

SIZE, 12in. x Sin.

AUCKLAND.

156

New Zealand Ferns

XIV. PELLAEA

14. — PELLAEA (pellos, dark coloured, referring to
the frond). A genus of about 60 species, with 2 in New
Zealand. Fronds long and narrow; seeds forming a
wide band round the margins of the leaves.

P. FALCATA

(59 ) Pellaea falcata (scythe-shaped). A handsome,
dark-green species, fond of dry stony ground; usually
growing in the same locality as P. rotundifolia, though
a very much rarer plant. When comparing the two spe-
cies the barren fronds differ from each other far more
than do the fertile ones.

Description. — Root stout, scaly, creeping. Stalks 3 to 6 inches
long, strong, erect, dark red-brown or almost black, more or less
bristly. Fronds 12 to 18 inches long or more by l^ to 3 inches
broad, dark-green, texture firm and smooth, shining, lighter be-
low. Seeds forming a broad band round the margins of the leaf-
lets, except the tips.

North Island: Mangonui County to Waikato River, rare and
local. South Island : Dunn Mount Graham River.

For many years I looked upon this species as merely
a robust form of P. rotundifolia. The leaves in typical
specimens of the latter that I had planted in my fernery
became longer and more falcate — scythe-shaped — this I
attributed to the richer soil. Now that I have studied

Pellaea

157

SIZE, I3in. x 9in.

(59) PELLAEA FALCATA.

A Medium Specimen.

Under and Upper Side.

AUCKLAND.

158

New Zealand Ferns

many plants, I am convinced that it is sufficiently differ-
ent to be classed as a true species, possibly connected
with the other by intermediates.

So ill bad been my success in looking for this species
that, in my secret heart, I bad begun to doubt its exist-
ence, and only included it in my first edition out of res-
pect for the botanists. But there is always hope-even
for the blindest. After 40 years my eyes have been
opened.

One day I was bunting in a rough piece of ground near
Auckland for N otlioclaena distans. I had not walked a
hundred yards when I came to a chaos of rocks and loose
scoria; but made beautiful with moss and lichen, lovely
sprays of Asplenium fl abb elli folium down in the inter-
stices, quantities of Pellaea rotundifolia everywhere,
and handsome patches of Polypodium Billardieri crown-
ing the weather-beaten crags with masses of broad
bright-green fronds. A dark-leaved plant at my feet
caught my eye, evidently a seedling tree or bush. I was
about to pass on, when a second glance arrested me —
the tops of the sprays looked uncommonly like ferns, yet
the leaves, wide and crowded together on the stalks,
were unlike any that I knew. To make quite certain l
went down on my knees and parted the foliage with my
hands. The sight of a small hairy crook made me catch
my breath — it was undoubtedly a fern! But what? I
knew none like it. Then it dawned on my slow under-
standing that this must be P. falcata, whose occurrence
in New Zealand I had always doubted. Needless to say,
I was converted on the spot. The leaves were so entirely
different from those of P. rotundifolia that there was no
possibility of confounding the two.

If planted in leaf mould in a dry sunny locality, it is
easily grown.

A wide-spread species, extending to Australia, the
Malay Archipelago, and India.

Pellaea

159

(37a) DICKSONIA SQUARROSA. A MEDIUM SIZED TREE.

A Tree-fern, not mature, about 16 feet high.

WHANGAREI.

160

New Zealand Ferns

(60) P.rotundifolia (round-leaved). Very similar to
P. falcata, but the leaflets, as suggested by the name,
are sometimes nearly circular. One of the most decora-
tive ferns we have, equally at home in the bright sun-
shine or the gloomy shade of a cave-mouth. It is easily
recognised by the single row of round leaflets on either
side of the stalk, dark and shining, of a peculiar shade,
as if the leaf had been blackleaded.

Description. — Root long, rigid, wiry, creeping, scaly. Stalks
3 to 6 inches long, densely covered with scales. Fronds 6 to 14
inches long or more by fin. to \\ inches broad, dark-green, shining,
lighter below. Seeds forming a broad band round the margins
of the leaflets, but not so continuous as in P. falcata.

Not uncommon in dry woods throughout the Dominion. Sea-
level to 2,000 feet.

An easy fern to grow, making an attractive addition
to the fernery; but the leaflets have a habit of falling
and leaving the bare stalks exposed to view. The brown
shaggy crook of a new frond is first seen in a semi-
recumbent position, then, rising as if hinged, it soon
becomes upright. The leaves mature quickly. Found
also in Norfolk Island.

Pellaea

161

SIZE, 9in. x 5in.

(60) PELLAEA ROTUND I FOLIA.

A Medium Specimen. Under and Upper Side.

AUCKLAND.

162

New Zealand Ferns

XV. PTERIS

PTERIS (pterix, the Greek name for the
bracken). A genus of about 125 species, with 6 species
and 1 variety in New Zealand. Mostly large branching
ferns; seeds in a line along the margins of the leaflets,
which are slightly curved over as a protection.

P. INCISA

(61 ) P. aquiliana (aquiline), Vcir. esculenta (edible).
“Rahurahu,” “Bracken,” the common “Fern,” abundant
— too abundant everywhere. The fronds curved like an
eagle’s beak.

Description. — Root thick, creeping below the ground, produc-
ing numerous scattered fronds. Stalks variable in length, stout,
rigid, erect, smooth and shining. Fronds usually from 2 to 6 feet
long, sometimes 10 to 12 feet, stiff and harsh, green to reddish-
green, lighter below. Seeds generally continuous round the mar-
gin of the fertile leaflets.

Abundant everywhere, except in dense forests. Sea-level to
4,000 feet.

The avowed enemy of the early settlers, many of
whom spent their lives in trying to eradicate it from
their pastures. Some, by an ingenious plan of fencing in
small areas, tried to kill it off by heavily stocking with
sheep — sometimes it was the sheep who suffered. Bear-
ing in mind this extreme tenacity of life, it is interesting

Pteris

163

SIZE, 12Sin. x 8in.

(61) PTERIS AQUILINA, VAR. ESCULEXTA. AUCKLAND.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side. Seedling Frond, 4jin. long.

164

New Zealand Ferns

to read Mr. Field's experiments. He found it most diffi-
cult, almost impossible, to grow in his fernery, and came
to the conclusion that it was cross-grained by nature,
and would not stand petting.

It was one of the species that grew spontaneously in
my garden. When young it is not in the least like the
mature plant, either in outline, texture or colour. A
friend dug up a plant with great care, under the impres-
sion that it was Hy pole pis distans, and took the utmost
pains in packing, watering and carrying it many miles
to my fernery, where it proved its identity by giving up
the ghost with the same promptitude as Mr. Field’s
plants. I have observed this delicate, drooping habit in
a seedling with its roots near the surface; eventually it
put out a strong underground root to the nearest open
ground, which in due course sent up the coarse, robust
frond associated with the name “bracken.”

When thrusting their young shoots through the
ground, it is the bend of the crook which bears the
strain and first appears above the surface, not the tip,
as with daffodils, lilies, etc. The shoulder of the crook
is sufficiently rigid and strong to push its way through
tough dry clay and to protect the tender folded tip.

The underground roots of this species, called “Aruhe”
by the Maoris, used to be their principal food. It is the
most universally distributed fern in the world.

Pteris

165

SIZE, 12lin. x 6iin.

166

New Zealand Ferns

(62 ^P.scaberula (a little rough). A very fine-cut
fern, rather harsh to the touch ; sometimes called “The
Scented Fern/’ or “The Lace Fern.” It gives forth a
sweet aromatic perfume, especially in the hot sunshine.
Fond of growing on sunny banks to the exclusion of
other plants.

Description. — Root wide-creeping, rigid, wiry, clothed with
chestnut-brown scales. Stalks 4 to 12 inches long, rigid, erect,
yellow-brown, rough to the touch, more or less bristly. Fronds
9 to 18 inches high, rarely more, by 4 to 9 inches broad, pale
yellow-green, somewhat harsh to the touch. Midrib sinuous,
rough. Seeds copious, when mature covering the under surface
of the leaflets, except the extreme tips and the base.

Abundant throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to 2,500 feet.

This very beautiful and typically New Zealand fern
will grow in the most unpromising situations imagin-
able, the dry clay cutting of a bush road being a favour-
ite locality; indeed, it seems to prefer poor soil. Though
a little difficult to transplant, it is apt to take charge
when once established in the fernery. In her book
“British Ferns,” Miss Pules included it among the most
attractive foreign ferns suitable for greenhouse cultiva-
tion, “8 or 9 inches high. A perfect little gem.” The
other day I walked through acres of it up to my. knees;
lovely soft-green fronds that filled the air with perfume.
It is confined to New Zealand.

Pteris

167

SIZE, 14|in. x 4|in.

(62) PTERIS SCABERULA.

A Small Specimen. Under Side.

HUNUA.

168

New Zealand Ferns

(63) P.tremula (trembling). “Turawera.” A hand-
some graceful fern, of a pure pale green, a favourite for
pot culture ; it prefers dry soil and a moderately sunny
aspect. Very free in its growth, sowing itself on all
sides.

Description. — Root short, stout, putting up tufts of numerous
erect fronds. Stalks 1 to 2 feet high, stout, erect, smooth and
polished, bright chestnut-brown. Fronds 1 to 3 feet long by 6
inches to 2 feet broad, bright-green, soft, membranous. Seeds
copious, usually continuous in a narrow line along the margins of
the leaflets.

Kermadec Islands and North Island, abundant. South Island,
in various localities in Nelson and Marlborough; also recorded
from Banks Peninsula. Sea-level to 2,500 feet.

This fern, called “The Shaking Brake” by Miss Pules,
comes up all over my garden. It grows rapidly in a shel-
tered spot where it gets plenty of sunlight, soon attain-
ing a height of 4 or 5 feet. The young fronds come up
like a green shepherd’s crook, bending over backwards
as the leaves unroll. Perhaps the name “tremula” was
given from its habit of growing in somewhat open bush,
where its leaves are constantly agitated by the freely
circulating air. It is very variable in the size and shape
of the leaflets. Injured by frost, especially the older
fronds. Eaten voraciously by the caterpillar Agrotis
compta. See page 203. Found also in Australia, Tas-
mania, Norfolk Island, and Fiji.

Pteris

169

SIZE, 13in. x 10£in.

(63) PTERIS TREMULA.

AUCKLAND.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

170

New Zealand Ferns

(64) P. comans (hairy). A large, handsome fern,
with broad, irregular leaves. A northern species, plen-
tiful on some of the outlying islands, rare and local on
the mainland; at once distinguished from other species
of the genus by the copiously netted veins.

Description. — Root short, stout. Stalks 1 to 2 feet long or
more, erect, yellow-brown, polished, clothed at the base with
dark-brown scales. Fronds 1 to 4 feet long by 6 inches to 3 feet
broad, membranous, dark-green, quite smooth. Veins copiously
netted. Seeds in a continuous line round the margins of the leaf-
lets, except the tips.

Kermadec Islands, most abundant. North Island: From Three
Kings Islands and North Cape to the Bay of Plenty, usually in
shaded places near the sea; plentiful in the outlying islands; rare
and local on the mainland.

Mr. Cheeseman says it is often confounded by fern
collectors with large states of P. macilenta, Var. pen-
dula, but it is an altogether different plant, with a coarser
and stouter habit of growth, much broader and less-
divided fronds, and unusually long and narrow leaflets.
I must confess to having always confounded it with P.
macilenta. I did not realise my error until shown a speci-
men of the true P. comans. It is a very different and a
much more tropical-looking fern. Found also in Aus-
tralia, Tasmania, and the Pacific Islands.

SIZE, 13in. x 7in.

Pteris

171

(61) PTERIS COMANS. A Medium Specimen. Under Side. CUVIER ISLAND.

172

New Zealand Ferns

(65) P. macilenta (thin). A very beautiful fern of an
open pattern like lace-work, soft and membranous; a
lover of shade, though I have seen it growing where the
bush had been cleared.

Description. — Roots very short. Stalks 6 to 18 inches long,
pale yellow-brown, darker towards the base, smooth or slightly
scaly below. Fronds 1 to 3 feet long by 9 to 18 inches broad,
membranous, flaccid, glistening, green to pale-green, yellow-green
in the open. Seeds marginal, in the notches of the leaflets, not
nearly reaching the tips. Veins netted along the midrib, else-
where free.

North Island: Not uncommon in dry woods. South Island:
Near Nelson, Takaka ; Marlborough. Also said to occur on Banks
Peninsula and near Greymouth.

Pteris

173

SIZE, l-tjin. x 7in.

-at

^ $fr

%T ^

■ ^1

*sS -4^/fjT > < v v jV#**-

Vvr || ^

Jv5 * /£“i: .

(65) PTERIS MACILENTA.

A Large Specimen. Under Side.

WAIKATO.

174

New Zealand Ferns

This fern thrives better than almost any other in my
fernery. It is a very variable species. The smaller,
more delicate specimen figured 65a is of so constant a
type, and so different from the large states of P. maci-
lenta, that I think it is worthy of being classed as a
variety. Although the two plants grew spontaneously
on an earthen bank in my garden within 12 inches of
each other, and are subject to exactly the same environ-
ment, they have not in any way approached each other.
It is confined to New Zealand. Since the above was
written it has been described and named Var. saxatilis
by Mr. H. Carse.

Pteris

175

SIZE, llin. x 8Jin.

(65a) PTERIS MACILENTA, VAR. SAXATILIS.

A Large Specimen. Under Side.

AUCKLAND.

176

New Zealand Ferns

( 66) J ar. pendula (drooping). Not so finely divided
as P. macilcnta, the terminal leaflets larger. Growing in
much the same habitat as P. macilcnta.

(66) PTERIC MAC1LENTA, VAR. PENDULA.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

MANGONUI.

178

New Zealand Ferns

(67) P. incisa (toothed). A large, branching, some-
what straggling species. Readily distinguished by the
pea-green, almost blue-green, of the young stalks and
leaves, the luxuriant way in which the base of the leaf-
lets overlap the central and side stalks, and the toothed,
sawlike outline. Usually growing on the outskirts of
the bush.

Description. — Root long, creeping, rather slender, producing
numerous scattered fronds. Stalks 1 to 3 feet high or more, erect,
smooth and glossy, yellow-brown to red-brown, sometimes nearly
black when mature. Fronds variable in size, 2 to 4 feet long by
1 to 2 feet broad, quite smooth, bright-green to bluish-green.
Seeds in nearly continuous rows along the margins of the leaflets,
but never extending to the tips. Veins more or less netted near
the midribs of the leaflets.

Abundant throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to 3,000 feet.

A strong-growing species, often forming thickets on
the outskirts of the bush. It sowed itself about my gar-
den in several places, sending out exploring surface roots
in every direction ; indeed, they grew so vigorously that
I had to dock them to prevent their taking full charge
of the fernery. It seems to thrive in every situation but
the shady depths of the forest, and flourishes exceed-
ingly among the hot springs of the thermal regions.

It is found also throughout the tropics and the south
temperate zone. I shall never forget coming across it in
Fiji; the smooth sea-green stalks, covered with a milky-
white bloom, growing out of the earth close to the path,
4 or 5 feet high and without a side shoot — only the
tightly-rolled crook on the top. A full-grown trailing
frond measured 23 feet.

SIZE, 12in. x 53 i n .

Pteris

179

(67) PTERIS INCISA. A Small Specimen. Under Side. WHANGAREI.

180

New Zealand Ferns

XVI. LOMARIA

LOMARIA (loma, a fringe or border; referring
to the seed cover). A genus of about 50 species, with 14
species and 1 variety in New Zealand; producing two
kinds of fronds — barren and fertile. Seeds on narrow
leaflets, in a continuous line occupying the whole space
between the midrib and the margin, which curves over
as a protection.

( 68) L. Patersoni (Mr. Paterson). A very striking
dark-green fern, with broad leaves, either entire or deep-
forked four to twelve times. A lover of moisture and
shade; somewhat rare in the North Island.

Description. — Root short, stout, creeping, clothed with black-
ish-brown scales, sometimes sending out suckers. Stalks 3 to 9
inches long, stout, black, scaly at base. Barren fronds very vari-
able; sometimes simple, 6 to 12 inches long by 1 to \\ inches
broad ; sometimes broadly forked, 1 to 3 feet long or more by
6 inches to 1 foot wide, stiff, shining dark-green above, paler be-
neath. Veins numerous, forked. Fertile frond as long as the
barren. Seeds continuous, ultimately covering the whole under
surface.

North and South Islands, Stewart Island. Damp hilly forests
from the Thames and Te Aroha southwards. Local on the east
side of the South Island. Sea-level to 3,000 feet.

Lomaria

181

SIZE, 14in. x 9in.

(68) LOMARIA PATERSONI. PICTON.

A Small Specimen. Barren and Fertile Frond.

182

New Zealand Ferns

Somewhat rough-looking' for a fern when examined
closely; at a distance, on a steep bank, its glistening
dark-green leaves have a very handsome appearance.
According to Mr. Thomson it succeeds well in cultiva-
tion if provided with shade and an almost constant drip.
I have had no difficulty in growing it.

Found also in the Pacific Islands, Malaya, and India.
As in most species of the genus, the fronds are some-
times partly fertile and partly barren.

(69) L. discolor (different-coloured). “Piu-piu.” An
exceedingly handsome species, growing in great tufts,
sometimes as much as 6 feet across ; the broad barren
fronds on the outside, the fertile standing stiffly upright
in the centre ; the whole forming an elegant crown, often
raised from the ground on a short stem.

Description. — Root short, stout, producing suckers at the
base, often lengthened into a stem 1 or 2 feet high. Stalks 3 to 6
inches long, stout, polished, densely covered at the base with dark-
brown scales. Fronds numerous, forming an elegant crown 1 to
4 feet high; barren 2 to 6 inches broad in the middle, gradually
tapering at both ends, texture stiff, glossy-green above, dirty-
white or reddish-brown beneath. Fertile fronds about as long as
the barren, 1^ to 3 inches wide, leaflets usually with a broad
leafy base. Seeds continuous, covering the whole under surface
except the midrib.

Abundant in open forests throughout the Dominion. Sea-level
to 3,000 feet.

A gregarious species, often filling a glade to the ex-
clusion of every other plant, and forming a picture
hardly to be paralleled in the vegetable world.

It is also a native of Norfolk Island, Australia, and
Tasmania.

Lomaria

183

SIZE, 13in. x 9in.

(69) LOMARIA DISCOLOR. KAIPARA.

A Small Specimen. Barren and Fertile Fronds.

184

New Zealand Ferns

(70) L. vulccinicci (from a volcanic district?). Most
readily distinguished by the general outline of the frond,
which is wedge-shaped, the lowest leaflets being the
longest. A rather local fern.

Description. — Root short, stout, woody, erect or inclined.
Stalks 4 to 9 inches long, slender, pale yellowish-brown, clothed
towards the base with dark-brown shining scales, smooth and
polished above. Barren fronds 4 to 14 inches long, without the
stalks, by 2 to 5 inches broad at the base, texture stiff, dull-green.
Fertile fronds usually exceeding the barren. Seeds continuous.

North and South Islands, Stewart Island. In dry open woods
from Auckland and Coromandel southwards ; but often rare and
local. More frequent in the sub-alpine forests of Nelson and
Canterbury. Sea-level to 3,500 feet.

I did not come across this fern until quite recently.
When bicycling between Rotorua and Taupo, along a
bad road and against a head wind through the dreary
pumice country, I noticed a fern that struck me as
strange growing about a rabbit hole. In a moment I
was off the bicycle and held a frond in my hand. At a
glance I saw it was “vulcanica.” Then it became almost
abundant, hardly a day passed that I did not find it,
usually growing on rocky banks near the edge of the
bush — at Axatiatia, Tauhara, Otukou Pa, and Waima-
rino. It extends northwards through Australia and the
Pacific Islands to Malaya.

Lomaria

185

SIZE, lliin. x 9jin.

(70) LOMARIA VULCANICA. NELSON.

A Large Specimen. Barren and Fertile Fronds.

186

New Zealand Ferns

(71) L. Norfolkiana (after Norfolk Island). A
large form of L. lanceolata, occurring on the Kerma-
decs, Three Kings, and Little Barrier.

Description. — Root short, stout, erect or inclined. Stalks
short, stout, 2 to 4 inches long, scaly at base. Barren fronds nu-
merous, forming a large, handsome crown, erect or spreading,
1 to 3 feet long by 3 to 6 inches broad, tapering from the middle
to both ends, dark-green. Fertile fronds rather shorter than the
barren.

Ivermadec, Three Kings and Little Barrier Islands.

The species can be distinguished from L. lanceolata
only by the greater size, the more pointed barren and
the much longer fertile leaflets. Both on the Three Kings
and the Little Barrier it seems to merge into L. lance-
olata. Found also in Norfolk Island.

Lomaria

187

SIZE, 14in. x 9iin.

(71) LOMARIA NORFOLKIANA.

A Medium Specimen.

KERMADEC ISLANDS.
Barren and Fertile Fronds.

188

New Zealand Ferns

(72) L.lanceolato (lance-like). A graceful symmet-
rical species, the long narrow fronds tapering from the
middle to either end by a remarkably even gradation ;
usually found about river banks.

Description. — Roots stout, erect or inclined, rarely extending
to a short stem. Stalks 2 to 6 inches long, firm, erect, dark-brown,
scaly at the base, paler and smooth above. Barren fronds form-
ing a handsome crown, erect or spreading, rather thin and mem-
branous, often curved in general outline, 6 to 8 inches long by
2 to 4 inches broad, green or dark-green. Veins showing con-
spicuously. Fertile fronds usually shorter than the barren ones.

Abundant throughout the Dominion by the margins of streams,
etc. Sea-level to 2,500 feet.

A hardy fern, thriving well under cultivation if sup-
plied with damp and shade. The young fertile fronds
are sometimes a deep pink. Found also in Victoria, Tas-
mania, South Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

Lomaria

189

SIZE, lliin. x 9»in.

(72) LOMARIA LANCEOLATA. WAIKUMETE.

A Medium Specimen. Barren and Fertile Fronds.

190

New Zealand Ferns

(73) L. dura (hard in texture). A seaside fern, con-
fined to the southern portion of the South Island and
some of the outlying islands. Easily recognised by the
fleshy, leathery leaves of the barren fronds, and the
crowded, close-set leaflets of the fertile ones.

Description. — Root stout, erect, sometimes extended to a
short stem. Stalks 1 to 2 inches long, clothed at the base with
large brown scales, paler and smooth above, firm, erect. Fronds
numerous, tufted, forming a crown; barren 1 to 2% feet long bv
1^ to 4 inches broad, usually broadest above the middle, very
gradually narrowed to the base, dark-green, fleshy to tough. Fer-
tile fronds shorter and narrower than the barren. Seeds very
copious, covering the whole under surface.

South Island : Banks Peninsula ; eastern and southern coasts
of Otago, not uncommon; West Coast Sounds, Stewart Island
and Chatham Island, abundant. Auckland, Campbell, and Anti-
podes Islands.

This species is never found far from the influence of
the sea spray. Mr. Field describes it as easy to grow,
requiring no shelter. It is confined to New Zealand.

Lomaria

191

SIZE, 12in. x 5in.

(73) LOMARIA DURA. OTAGO.

A Medium Specimen. Barren and Fertile Fronds.

192

New Zealand Ferns

(74) L. Banksii (Sir Joseph Banks). A seaside
plant, never found beyond the influence of salt spray.
Recognised by the short wide leaflets in the barren fronds
attached to the midrib by a broad base, often alternate,
and the fertile leaflets, which are sometimes curved like
the roof of a pagoda.

Description. — Root short, stout, woody, erect or inclined.
Stalks short, stout, dark-coloured, scaly at base. Fronds numer-
ous; barren 4 to 12 inches high, rarely more, by Jin. to 1 inch
broad, rather firm in texture, dark-green, sometimes with a sea-
green tinge. Fertile fronds usually shorter than the barren ones.
Seeds copious, covering the whole under surface.

North Cape, Ahipara, Bay of Islands, Little Barrier, Manu-
kau Heads, East Cape, Cape Egmont, Wellington Heads, Cape
Terawhiti, Queen Charlotte Sound, Cape Farewell, West Wanga-
nui, Banks Peninsula, Otago not uncommon both east and west
coast, Stewart Island.

This species grows readily under cultivation. It is
confined to New Zealand.

Lomaria

193

SIZE, 7in. x 7in.

(74) LOMARIA BANKSII. OTAGO.

A Medium Specimen. Barren and Fertile Fronds.

194

New Zealand Ferns

(75) L. alpina (alpine). Fronds much narrower than
any others of the genus — half to three-quarters of an
inch wide — usually in mountain regions; stalks unusu-
ally long, barren fronds shorter than the fertile.

Description. — Roots long, slender, creeping, clothed with
rusty-looking scales. Stalks 2 to 6 inches long or more, slender,
red-brown, smooth and polished, sparingly scaly. Fronds tufted
along the root ; barren shorter than the fertile, 4 to 18 inches long,
including the stalks, by Jin. to fin. broad, spreading or decum-
bent, dark-green, varying in texture from thick and firm to almost
membranous. Fertile fronds erect. Seeds copious, covering the
whole under surface.

North and South Islands, Chatham Island, Stewart Island.
From the Upper Thames Valley and Rotorua southwards; abun-
dant south of East Cape. Sea-level to 4,000 feet.

A very handsome little fern, easily cultivated. With
me it thrives best under swamp conditions. Also found
in South America and Australia.

(75) LOMARIA ALPIXA.

WAIMARIXO.

196

New Zealand Ferns

( 76) L. capensis (native of the Cape). “Kio-kio.” A
species which rivals the tree-fern in dominating the land-
scape ; often completely clothing the hanks of streams or
the sides of roads with dense masses of great sweeping
fronds that rattle in the breeze. Very variable in size,
ranging from a half-starved leaf a few inches long
growing in a rocky cleft, to great curved fronds 10 feet
long, each bearing more than 40 pairs of leaflets.

Description. — Roots short, stout, often woody, erect or in-
clined, sometimes prostrate, clothed at the top with large chest-
nut brown scales. Stalks stout, long or short, usually densely
scaly at the base. Fronds numerous, very variable in size, usually
from 1 to 4 feet long, but in dry, exposed places often dwarfed
to a few inches, while on the sides of deep wooded ravines they
occasionally extend to 10 feet or even more, very stiff and rigid,
or almost membranous, bright-green or brown-green, sometimes
chequered with both colours, 6 to 24 inches broad. Leaflets of
fertile fronds very narrow. Fertile and barren leaflets often
mixed on the same stalk. Seeds copious, covering the under side.

Most abundant throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to 4,000
feet.

Even more ubiquitous than the bracken, which shuns
swamps and the deep shady forest ; it grows everywhere,
no soil or situation seeming to come amiss — on open
downs, dry hill-sides and ridges, the clefts of rocky
peaks, on dripping cliffs in deep ravines beside water-
falls, in wet swamps, on banks overlooking the sea.

In making my way up a narrow gully it has sometimes
been necessary to leave the bed of the stream to avoid
deep pools and clamber along the steep banks. Should
these be clothed with L. capensis I know of no tougher
battle than to struggle through the tangled fronds ; they
are too close to creep beneath, while to trample under
foot the palm-like leaves that rise high above one’s head
is a herculean task.

The barren fronds are strikingly handsome, the shin-
ing leaves serrated finely along the margins, the undu-
lating surface catching the light at different angles and
giving the fronds a singularly glistening appearance.

Lomaria

197

<76) LOMARIA CAPENSIS.

A Small Specimen. Barren and Fertile Fronds.

SIZE, Min. x iiin.

WAITEMATA.

198

New Zealand Ferns

Even the parti-coloured leaves add an artistic charm,
and the bright salmon-pink which the young fronds
sometimes assume is indescribably beautiful.

Needless to say, this was one of the species that grew
spontaneously in my garden. The young fronds soon
make their appearance after transplanting, and grow
rapidly. In a specimen from swampy ground the soft
young shoots were very tender, of a delicate reddish-
green, that looked almost transparent, the leaves smooth
and flat without any undulations, quite unlike the bright
salmon-pink I have seen in specimens growing in drier
localities. This abundant and very varied species was
broken up into four varieties by Sir J. D. Hooker, but
the definitions are hardly clear enough for anyone but
a practised botanist to follow with any certainty.

On the roads between Picton, Nelson, and Hokitika
I passed along miles where the upper bank was fringed
with the great sweeping fronds, which gave quite a char-
acter to the landscape. It is widely distributed in the
Southern Hemisphere, extending to Mexico and Ma-
laya.

Lomaria

199

SIZE, 20in. x 17in.

(76a) LOMARIA CAPEKSIS. WAITAKERE.

Medium Specimen. Barren and Fertile Frond. Taken from a frond 6ft. high.

200

New Zealand Ferns

(77) Var. minor (less). Smaller than the foregoing;
i to 3 feet high, dark olive-green, sometimes a coppery-
brown ; fertile fronds usually exceeding the barren ;
leaflets few, four to eight pairs. In some respects it ap-
proaches L. vulcanica. It has so different a habit and
mode of growth from L. capensis that Mr. Cheeseman
thinks it may prove to be a separate species.

Lomaria

201

SIZE, 14in. x 9iin.

(77) LOMARIA CAPENSIS, VAR. MINOR.

A Medium Specimen. Barren and Fertile Fronds.

PICTON.

202

New Zealand Ferns

SIZE, 8in. x 8in.

(77a) LOMARIA CAPENSIS.

A Small Specimen. Barren and Fertile Fronds.

PICTON.

Lomaria

203

(63a) AGROTIS COMPTA. CATERPILLAR AND MOTHS. AUCKI.AND.

Caterpillar very destructive to P. trcmula ; one and a half times natural size. (See also page 168)

204

New Zealand Ferns

(78) L. fill for mis (thread-like — in allusion to the
fertile fronds). An inveterate climber, usually seeding
at some height above the ground, sometimes almost out
of sight up lofty trees, most readily distinguished by the
graceful fertile fronds.

Description. — Root long, stout, branched, climbing up trees
to a great height, clothed with rough scales. Barren fronds very
numerous, scattered along the root, those on the ground or the
lower part of the creeping root, small, 3 to 6 inches long by Jrin.
to 1 inch broad, sharply and deeply toothed, and those up the
trees much larger, 12 to 30 inches long by 3 to 6 inches broad,
pendulous, inclined to be stiff, green to dark-green. Fertile fronds
from the upper part of the root. Leaflets numerous, 3 to 6 inches
long by ^in. broad, very narrow, almost thread-like. Seeds copi-
ous, covering the whole under side.

Abundant throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to 2,000 feet.

A species very remarkable for having two forms of
barren fronds; the smaller, with sharp-toothed leaves
4in. by fin., often covering the ground for a consider-
able area, is not accompanied by fertile fronds; it grows
over everything — earth, stones, fallen logs, roots. On
reaching a tree trunk it at once begins to mount, when a
curious change takes place; the creeping root thickens,
the leaves, assuming their second form, grow six times
as large, attaining a size of 30m. by 6in., festooning
lofty tree trunks with innumerable drooping fronds,
and eventually putting forth those bearing seeds, which,
seen high overhead against the sky, have the thread-like
appearance that suggested the name.

If care be taken in selecting a terrestrial portion of
the root it is easily cultivated. Specimens have been in-
troduced into my fernery on the roots of other plants,
and have become well established; in one instance it
sowed itself spontaneously. Found also in the Fiji Is-
lands.

Lomaria

205

SIZE, 13in. x 9|in.

(78) LOMARIA FILIFORMIS. WAITAKERE.

A Small Specimen. ISarrtn and Fertile Fronds. Small Ground Frond, 3ain. long.

206

New Zealand Ferns

(79) L. nigra (black). A small species, readily recog-
nised by the blackish-green colour and the broadening
out of the terminal part of the fronds. It is a scarce
fern.

Description. — Root short, stout, semi-erect. Stalks densely
clothed with chaffy scales, 1 to 3 inches long. Barren fronds in
spreading tufts, 3 to 8 inches long by 1 to \\ inches broad, mem-
branous, blackish-green or lurid-green. Leaflets, 4 to 8 pairs, un-
equal in size, the terminal one much the largest, the lowest pair
larger than those immediately above. Fertile fronds few, erect.

North Island and East Coast of South Island, scarce. 1,000
feet to 3,000 feet. Abundant in Westland, where it descends to
the sea.

Almost a mountain species in the North Island, where
it frequents dark, gloomy forest gullies. As it is difficult
to reproduce its natural haunts it is not easily cultivated.
Confined to New Zealand.

Lomaria

207

SIZE, 8in. x 7lin.

(79) LOMARIA NIGRA. NELSON.

A Medium Specimen. Barren and Fertile Fronds.

208

New Zealand Ferns

(80) L. fluviatilis (riverine). Most readily recog-
nised by the fertile fronds on which the short leaflets
grow very upright, almost parallel with the stalk. The
barren fronds are not unlike those of Pcllaca rot undi-
folia in general outline.

Description. — Root stout, semi-erect, often woody, densely
clothed with chestnut-brown scales. Stalks very short, covered
with scales. Barren fronds very numerous, 12 to 30 inches long
by fin. to IV inches broad, texture rather membranous, dark-
green to olive-green. Fertile fronds erect. Midribs densely scaly,
giving a brown hue to the plant. Seeds copious, covering the
whole surface.

Fairlv abundant throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to 2,500
feet.

A very handsome, decorative species, hardy and easily
cultivated, showing to perfection when the narrow dark-
green fronds droop over the edge of a flower pot and
form a crown-like setting to the tall, erect fronds in the
centre.* It is also found in Victoria and Tasmania.

Lomaria

209

SIZE, 13jin. x 9in.

(80) LOMARIA FLUVIATILIS. WAITAKERE.

A Small Specimen. Barren and Fertile Fronds.

210

New Zealand Ferns

(81) L. membranacea (membranous). A species that
usually grows in tufts on river banks close to the water,
and at first sight is apparently a small form of L. lancc-
olata, but, on a nearer inspection, the leaflets are seen to
be shorter, rounder, more blunt, and distinctly separated
from one another.

Description. — Root stout, semi-erect. Stalks very short, scaly
at base. Fronds tufted, barren 3 to 10 inches long by fin. to Fl-
inches broad, membranous, pale-green, smooth, margins coarsely
toothed, veins conspicuous; fertile fronds usually longer than
the barren. Seeds copious, covering the whole surface.

North Island: In shaded places by the banks of streams, not
uncommon throughout. South Island : In various localities on
the East Coast from Nelson to Otago, but rare and local. Sea-
level to 2,000 feet.

Large forms of this species are difficult to distinguish
from L. lanccolata, if, indeed, the two species do not
pass directly into each other. It is easily cultivated, and
is confined to New Zealand.

Lomaria

211

SIZE, 9iin. x 8lin.

(81) LOMARIA MEMBRANACEA. KAIPARA.

A Large Specimen. Barren and Fertile Fronds.

212

New Zealand Ferns

(82) L. Fraseri (Mr. Fraser). A very handsome
and distinct species, sometimes covering- the forest floor
with miniature forests, for it usually grows upon a stem.
Unlike the other species of Lomaria, the fertile and bar-
ren fronds bear a close resemblance to one another when
viewed from above.

Description. — Roots erect, with a dense tuft of dark-brown
scales at the tip, often elongated into a stem 6 to 24 inches high
or more, resembling the trunk of a minute tree-fern. Stalks 3 to
9 inches high, scaly towards the base. Fronds 9 to 18 inches long
by 3 to 6 inches broad, quite smooth, almost membranous, glisten-
ing, dark-green. Midrib and upper part of stalk furnished with
deeply-indented wings. Fertile fronds similar to barren, but rather
smaller and with narrower leaflets. Seeds copious, covering the
whole under surface.

North Island: Abundant in dry woods from the North Cape
to Upper Waikato and Taranaki. South Island : Massacre Bay,
West Wanganui, extending along the West Coast to Charleston.
Sea-level to 2.000 feet.

A very remarkable species; the curious toothed wing-
showing on either side of the midrib like triangular
teeth, gives the frond a most unique appearance. It is
most abundant in the North, sometimes covering acres
of ground with innumerable tufts of shining, dark-
green fronds. It is not difficult to grow if young plants
are taken from open situations. Confined to New Zea-
land.

Lomaria

(82) LOMARI FRASERI.

A Medium Specimen.

Barren and Fertile Fronds.

WAITAKERE.

213

SIZE, 13in. x 9iin.

214

New Zealand Ferns

XVII. DOODIA

DOODIA (to honour Mr. Doody, a London
apothecary and British cryptogamist), A small genus of
5 species, with 2 species and 1 variety in New Zealand.
Little tufted ferns with narrow fronds. Seeds oblong
or slightly curved, generally in one row parallel to and
on each side of the midrib, protected by a thin covering
which springs from the under side of the leaf.

(83) D. media (intermediate). There is no mistak-
ing the tufts of lance-like fronds, the sprouting young
ones of a rosy-red that tinges a whole bank with colour.
Seeds parallel to and nearer the midrib than the margin,
a habit quite unlike that of any other New Zealand
genus.

Description. — Root short, stout, semi-erect. Stalks 3 to 18
inches long, more or less scaly towards the base, smooth or rough,
blackish-brown. Fronds 12 to 18 inches long by ll> to 4 inches
broad, texture firm and stiff, dark-green, rough to the touch.
Seeds short, oblong, usually in one row on each side of the mid-
rib, but sometimes portions of a second row are irregularly devel-
oped.

North Island: Abundant from the North Cape to the East
Cape ; from thence rare and local to Cook Strait. South Island :
Port Hills, Nelson. Sea-level to 1,000 feet.

This species is very abundant about Auckland, being
one of the last to disappear before settlement. One still

Doodia

215

(83) DOODIA MEDIA. ORAKEI.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

216

New Zealand Ferns

SIZE, 12in. x 7in.

(83a) DOODIA MEDIA.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

MANUKAU.

Doodia

217

FROM MANU BRIDGE. WHANGAREI

218

New Zealand Ferns

sees it in the suburbs in situations where it cannot be
trodden upon by grazing animals, such as under hedge-
rows. It also thrives on clay banks almost washed by
the salt tide. I have gathered on Waiheke Island a form
that has a double row of seeds on each side of the midrib
throughout. An easy fern to cultivate in Auckland; one
of those that sowed itself in my garden. When once
established it does not mind the blazing sun or a few
weeks’ drought. Found also in Australia, Norfolk Is-
land, and the Pacific Islands.

(84) l ar. Milnei (Mr. Milne). Larger than D.
media', fronds i to 2 feet long by 6 to 12 inches broad.
Leaflets closely placed, narrowed into long tapering
points. Seeds copious in two rows on each side of the
midrib. Kermadec Islands abundant.

Doodia

219

SIZE, 19in. x llin.

(81) DOODIA MEDIA, VAR. MILNEI.

A Large Specimen. Under Side.

KERMADEC ISLANDS.

220

New Zealand Ferns

(85) D. caudata (tailed). “Moki-moki.” A smaller
and slighter plant than D. media; the leaflets of a dif-
ferent shape, stalked, much wider apart; it also has dis-
tinct barren and fertile fronds.

Description. — Root short, semi-erect. Stalks 2 to 4 inches
long, slender, black or nearly so. Fronds numerous, densely
tufted, 3 to 12 inches long, rarely more, by fin. to 2 inches broad,
membranous, green to pale-green. Barren fronds usually shorter
and less erect than the fertile, often decumbent. Fertile fronds
harsher and more rigid. Seeds in a single row on each side of
the midrib.

North Island: From Kaitaia southwards to Cook Strait; but
local and often absent from large areas. Sea-level to 2,500 feet.

This species does not grow in the profuse abundance
of D. media. It is a pretty, dainty little fern; apparently
a common plant in Australia.

According to Air. Cheeseman, “A small variety found
on the Rimutaka Ranges, Wellington, is said to have
scented fronds, and to have been formerly collected by
the Maoris for the purpose of mixing with oil for anoint-
ing the person; but I have never been able to perceive
any fragrance. Perhaps Polypodium pustulatum has
been mistaken for it.”

Doodia

221

SIZE, 13lin. x 8in.

(85) DOODIA CAUDATA. WI1 ANGAUEI.

A Large Specimen. Barren and Fertile Fronds.

222

New Zealand Ferns

XVIII. ASPLENIUM

ASPLENIUM (splen, the spleen — used as a
remedy for diseases thereof). A large genus of about
350 species, with 12 species and 8 varieties in New Zea-
land ; very variable in size and shape. Seeds linear or
oblong, placed obliquely to the midrib, protected by a
blade-like covering springing from the under surface of
the leaf.

A. LUCIDUM

(86) A. flabelli folium (fan-leaved) . “Necklace fern.'’
A charming little fern, quite different from any other
New Zealand species of Asplenium. The small, fan-
shaped leaflets, set on each side of a long slender stalk,
adapt themselves to the uneven surface of the rocks and
stones, among which they love to grow.

Description. — Roots short, stout, clothed at the top with
blackish scales. Stalks 1 to 4 inches long, rarely more, slender,

Asplenium

223

SIZE, 12in. x loin.

(86) ASPLENIUM FLAB BELLI FOLIUM. AUCKLAND.

Medium to Large Specimen. Upper and Under Side.

224

New Zealand Ferns

green above, dark-brown below. Fronds few, tufted at the top of
the root, weak and tender, decumbent, green to light-green, 6 to
14 inches long by ^in. to 1 inch broad. Midrib smooth and green,
rooting at apex. Seeds in short oblique lines.

From the Bay of Islands to Otago, not uncommon in rocky
and stony places. Sea-level to 2,000 feet.

Besides the unusual property of taking root at the end
of the long slender stalk and producing a fresh plant,
the upper leaflets are sometimes extended into naked
tips which also root and produce fronds. It is easily cul-
tivated, either in a rockery or in hanging pots. Though
usually growing in rocky or stony ground, I have found
it luxuriating under a hawthorn hedge on rich alluvial
soil at Tua-marina, near Blenheim.

The following account of this charming little fern is
taken from a letter: —

The other day I set out to get a specimen for my fer-
nery. After a considerable hunt I found some plants
growing on a rough stone wall, but they were small and
meagre. I turned to retrace my steps, disappointed at
my failure, and had reached a swelling mound of lava,
when a boy hailed me from over the wall.

“Are you getting ferns, mister?”

“I’m trying to — there’s hardly one to be seen.”

“Have you been into the cave?”

“I see no cave.”

“Over there,” he said, pointing to the bare mound be-
hind me.

I could not perceive the least sign of a cave, and turned
to see if the boy were in earnest. He got over the wall
and showed me. Within ten yards of where I was stand-
ing was a slight depression in the ground, partially hid-
den by grass and weeds. Dropping to my hands and
knees, and parting the herbage I looked down into the
most lovely grotto I ever beheld. Below the narrow
opening it widened out to a diameter of about six feet.
Moss-grown rocks projected from the sides and bottom,
almost hidden under a green tracery of the fan-leaved

Asplenium

225

fern, of a larger and more luxuriant growth than I had
ever seen — a bridal veil of light-green lacework. Fur-
ther down I caught sight of the little round leaves of
Pellaca rotundifolia and a few ethereal-looking fronds
of Pteris tremula; altogether an entrancing picture be-
yond the power of words to describe. After feasting my
eyes for several minutes, I raised my head to look round;
the contrast could not have been greater — a scanty turf,
black rocks, a few coarse bushes of ink-weed !

It filled me with wonder to think of this fairy grotto
within a few miles of a large city containing thousands
of wanton hands that would have ravaged and despoiled
it of its treasures did they but know of its existence.
Was I the first to appreciate the beauty of those fragile
fronds, clothing the moss-grown rocks with radiating
sprays — one of Nature’s masterpieces? The boy had
certainly seen the grotto first, but he regarded it only
with disfavour, having made the discovery by falling in
and bruising his shins when driving home the cows.

Nature, with her scorn for vulgar advertisement and
her prodigality of superlative workmanship, taught me a
lesson. Had I created anything only a thousandth part
as beautiful, instead of hiding it away with a chaste re-
serve, I should have brought all my friends to admire.
The boy urged me to climb down and help myself, he
could not understand my forbearance, my disinclination
to mar such perfection.

The species is found also in temperate Australia and
Tasmania.

226

New Zealand Ferns

(87) A. trichomanes (hair-like). A smaller and much
more rigid species that A. flabellifolium, usually only
6 inches long, with a single row of closely-set leaflets on
either side of the stalk, found generally in the moun-
tains.

Description. — Roots short, stout, fibrous, more or less clothed
with dark-brown scales. Stalks 1 to 4 inches long, dark chestnut-
brown, smooth and glossy. Fronds tufted, rigid, erect, 3 to 12
inches by Jin. to Sin. broad, firm in texture, green to dull-green.
Seeds in oblique lines.

North Island: Kaimanawa Mountains, Otorohanga, Petane,
Puketapu, Mount Egmont, Tararua Ranges. South Island: Not
uncommon in mountainous regions throughout. Sea-level to 4,000
feet.

For many years it was supposed to be confined to the
South Island, but of late it has been found in several
parts of the North Island. A very widely distributed
species; the Maidenhair Spleenwort of England.

Asplenium

227

(87) ASPLENIUM TRICHOMANES. OTOROHANGA.

A Small Specimen. Upper and Under Side.

228

New Zealand Ferns

(88) A. falcatum (scythe-shaped). Most readily dis-
tinguished by the uneven shape of the leaflets — rounded
above, hollowed or straight below. Seeds in long narrow
lines slightly oblique.

Description. — Roots short, stout, creeping, more or less
clothed with brown scales. Stalks 6 to 12 inches long, dark-brown,
firm, hairy at the base, sometimes throughout. Fronds erect or
pendulous, 1 to 3 feet long or more by 3 to 7 inches broad, tex-
ture firm, dark-green or brownish-green above, paler beneath.
Veins close and distinct. Seeds numerous, diverging obliquely
from the midrib.

Abundant throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to 2,000 feet.

An exceedingly handsome decorative species, varying
greatly in size and shape, and growing everywhere — the
trunks of trees, rocks, perpendicular or overhanging
banks, among the crowded tufts of Astelia in tree-forks
or upon rocks. One day I encountered a lovely sight ;
the roots had clasped a slender sapling about five feet
from the ground, and thrown out a fringe of great
sweeping fronds that nearly touched the earth — some
measuring over 4 feet in length. A stray sunbeam,
filtering through the branches of a giant kauri pine,
lighted up the dark glossy leaves with splashes of silver.

Though it has an irresistible attraction for the fern
gatherer, and often seems to subsist on nothing more
substantial than air, it is by no means easy to transplant.
The young crooks appear in the usual way, expanding
the lower leaflets long before the upper ones come into

Asplenium

229

SIZE, 13in. x 7^in.

(88) ASPLENIUM FALCATUM. AUCKLAND.

Small to Medium Specimen. Upper and Under Side.

230

New Zealand Ferns

sight. It was one of those that sowed themselves in my
garden. Widely distributed in the temperate regions of
both hemispheres.

(89) A. caudatum( tailed). Hardly to be distinguished
from A. falcatum; reported only from the Kermadec
Islands. A widely distributed species, named caudatum
because of the tailed-like terminations of the leaflets.

Description. — Root short, creeping, scaly. Stalks 6 to 9 inches
long, scaly or not. Fronds 1 to 2 feet long by 3 to 8 inches broad,
dark-green. Veins close and distinct. Seeds shorter than in A.
■falcatum, not nearly reaching the margin.

Kermadec Islands, Sunday Island, not uncommon.

A widely-spread plant; differing from A. falcatum
only in the more tailed leaflets and the shorter seeds.
“Apparently a form of A. falcatum,” Sir J. D. Hooker.

Asplenium

231

SIZE, 17in. x 5in.

(89) ASPLENIUM CAUDATUM. KERMADEC ISLANDS.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

232

New Zealand Ferns

(90) A. obtusatum (blunt). A seaside plant, usually
growing on rock faces; more plentiful on the outlying
islands. Sometimes confused with A. liicidiim, but a
much smaller plant, with short, thick, bluntly-rounded
leaflets.

Description. — Root short, thick, often forming a hard rounded
mass, densely scaly. Stalks 2 to 6 inches long, erect, very stout,
almost fleshy, greyish-green, scaly at base. Fronds 2 to 12 inches
long, without the stalk, by 1 to 3 inches broad, very thick and
tough, deep green. Seeds oblique, usually copious, not reaching
midrib.

On maritime rocks throughout the Dominion.

My first sight of this curious-looking fern came as
somewhat of a shock; the leaves were so round and
packed so close together I took it for a large species of
ice-plant — it was growing in a neighbouring fernery. It
is easily cultivated. A widely-spread species in the

Southern Hemisphere.

Asplenium

233

(90) ASPLENIUM OBTUSATUM.

A Large Specimen. Under Side.

SIZE, llin. x 3iin.

COROMANDEL.

234

New Zealand Ferns

(91) A. lucidum (bright), “huruhuru-whenua.”
Perhaps the most easily found fern in New Zealand;
there is no overlooking the broad glossy fronds that seem
to wave an invitation to the fern gatherer — to be stuffed
into a kerosene tin or an old box and allowed to languish
in a neglected corner of the verandah ! Easily recognised
by the herring-bone pattern on the backs of the broad
leaves.

Description. — Root short, stout, often forming a hard rounded
mass, clothed at the top with large brown scales. Stalks 6 to 18
inches long, stout, densely scaly at base, sometimes dark-brown
above and below, separated by a narrow hair-like line of green on
either side. Fronds 12 to 36 inches long without the stalks, by
6 to 14 inches broad, erect or drooping, dark-green, glossy and
shining, paler beneath, texture firm, margins of the leaflets finely
serrated. Veins usually evident. Seeds very numerous, in long
oblique lines.

Abundant in lowland districts throughout the Dominion.

A strikingly handsome species; its presence in a forest
glade adds not a little to the richness and luxuriance of
the scene. It differs markedly from all the other native
species except A. obtusatum, with which it is connected
by transitional forms. It grows in almost every situation
— on dry rocky banks exposed to the blazing sun, in the
deep cool shade of the forest, in the upper forks of tall
trees, about old stumps, on the ground, on the stems of
tree-ferns.

The growth of a young frond, though somewhat slow,
is an interesting study. As the crook unrolls it exposes
the side leaves, of a light vivid green, shining as if
lacquered over with a transparent varnish. The young

Asplenium

235

SIZE, 18in. x 12in.

(91) ASPLENIUM LUCIDUM.

A Medium Specimen.

WAITEMATA.

Under Side.

236

New Zealand Ferns

SIZE. 17in. x 15in.

(91a) ASPLENIUM LUCIDUM. WAITEMATA.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

Asplenium

237

(110a) ASPIDIUM CAPENSE. A Leaflet magnified to show the Veining, etc. {Sre also face 282) WAIKUMETE.

238

New Zealand Ferns

leaflets, standing in a row on either side of the upright
midrib, slightly curved towards each other, give the im-
pression of clasping something precious between their
tender green tips. As the frond matures the colour
darkens, the leaves flatten and soon develop the long
conspicuous lines of seed. It is very easily grown — even
surviving the neglected kerosene tin — and has a wide
range outside New Zealand — Norfolk Island, Lord
Howe Island, Australia, and some of the Pacific Islands.

(92) V ar . obliquum (slanting). Fronds smaller and
inclined to be leathery; leaflets placed closer, not so
pointed; seeds shorter; approaches A. obtusatum. From
the North Cape to Campbell Island.

Asplenium

239

SIZE, 12iin. x 63in.

(92) ASPLENIUM LUCIDUM, VAR. OBLIQUUM. NELSON.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

240

New Zealand Ferns

(93) Var.scleroprium (scleros, hard; prion, a saw).
Fronds fleshy, leathery, 12 to 18 inches high or more.
Leaflets closely placed, deeply serrate or forked. Seeds
linear, marginal. A transitional form from A. flaccidum.
Here-kopere Island, near Stewart Island, Auckland and
Campbell Islands.

Asplenium

241

SIZE, 12iin. x 5in.

(93) ASPLENIUM LUCIDUM, VAR. SCLEROPRIUM. AUCKLAND ISLANDS.

A Medium Specimen (Gathered by Sir J. D. Hooker). Under Side.

242

New Zealand Ferns

(94) Var. Lyalli (Mr. Lyall). The same size and
habit as the type, but more divided. In various localities
from Mangonui and the Bay of Islands to Otago, but
rare and local, and always in small quantities. Also in
the Chatham Islands.

Asplenium

243

SIZE, 16in. x 9in.

(91) ASPLENIUM LUCIDUM, VAR. LYALLI. CANTERBURY.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

244

New Zealand Ferns

(95) Var.anomodum (?). Fronds small, 2 to 12
inches long', including the stalk, pale-green, almost mem-
branous, more or less covered beneath with chaffy scales,
the lower leaflets divided; seeds short, oblique. Found
usually in limestone districts. Hawke’s Bay — Petane,
Te Ante, Norsewood, Takapau. Nelson — Whanga-peka
Valley and Mount Arthur Plateau, ascending to nearly
4,000 feet.

Asplenium

245

SIZE, 7in. x 2in.

(95) ASPLENIUM LUCIDUM, YAK. ANOMODUM. NELSON.

A Small Specimen. Under Side.

246

New Zealand Ferns

(96) A. Hookerianum (Sir J. D. Hooker). A small,
dark-green species with fronds of an open pattern,
usually growing below overhanging banks, on steep
faces, and on rocky ground.

Description. — Root short, stout, rounded, clothed at the top
with brownish scales. Stalks 1 to 4 inches long or more, greyish-
green. Fronds tufted, spreading, 2 to 10 inches long, without the
stalk, by 1 to 4 inches broad, almost membranous, dark-green.
Seeds, 2 to 5 on a leaflet, short, oblong, remote from the margin.

From Mangonui and Kaitaia to the south of Otago; but often
local. Sea-level to 2,500 feet.

A very variable little plant, reminding one of small
forms of A. bulbifenun, but more open. It is easily cul-
tivated. Found also in New South Wales and Victoria.

Asplenium

247

SIZE, lOin. x 7in.

A Large Specimen. Upper and Under Side.

248

New Zealand Ferns

NATURAL SIZE.

(96a) ASPLENIUM HOOKERIANUM. WAIRARAPA.

A Small Specimen. Under and Upper Side.

Asplenium

249

(97) Jar. Colens oi (Mr. Colenso). A small fern
with pale-green fronds, usually flaccid. Seeds oblong,
solitary, along the margins of the leaflets. Found
throughout the Dominion, but often local.

NATURAL SIZE.

(97) ASPLENIUM HOOKERIANUM, VAR. COLENSOI.

A Small Specimen. Under and Upper Side.

WAIRARAPA.

250

New Zealand Ferns

(98) A. bulbiferum (producing bulbs). Any person
at all familiar with the New Zealand bush cannot fail
to have noticed a very beautiful and typical fern leaf
bearing on its surface a number of seedlings. With one
somewhat rare exception this is the only native species
possessing this mode of reproduction, consequently there
can be no difficulty in fixing its identity. It is the most
plentiful of the Aspleniums in New Zealand.

Description. — Root short, stout, erect or oblique, crowned
with brown scales. Stalks 4 to 12 inches long or more, dark-
brown below, green or greyish-green above, densely scaly at the
base. Fronds 1 to 4 feet long or more by 6 to 12 inches broad,
bright-green, firm, almost succulent, upright or drooping. Seeds
short, oblique, often marginal.

Abundant throughout the Dominion, especially in damp woods.
Sea-level to 3,000 feet.

A handsome, graceful species, a very giant in com-
parison with the English spleenworts. In damp shel-
tered gullies near Auckland I have seen the tender green
fronds rising from the ground in graceful curves to a
height of 6 feet — a sight not easily forgotten.

Asplenium

251

SIZE, 14in. x 9iin.

(98) ASPLENIUM BULBIFERUM.

A Medium Specimen.

Under Side.

WAIKUMETE.

252

New Zealand Ferns

The stalks and all the branches are grooved on the
upper surface with a double furrow, which imparts an
extraordinary richness to the appearance of the fronds.
The little bulbs that appear on the face of the leaf are
not true seedlings. Though they give the appearance of
fertility to the leaf they are scattered too irregularly to
add much to its beauty. I have gathered a large species
of Asplenium in Samoa that had a row of these seedlings
down each side of the midrib, one at the base of every
leaflet; they looked extremely ornamental, like a double
row of green rosettes. If these bulbs are carefully re-
moved with a piece of the leaf to which they are attached,
and planted on damp mould, they will strike root and
produce mature plants. Probably the New Zealand badge
of the fern-leaf was taken from this species.

A wide-spread, easily-cultivated plant.

NATURAL SIZE.

Asplenium

253

(98a) ASPLENIUM BULBIFERUM. A Single Leaflet to show Flutings. AUCKLAND.

254

New Zealand Ferns

(99) T ar. laxum (loose). Fronds smaller, more
slender, with narrower and more remote leaflets; more
deeply divided, the upper surface glistening brightly,
seeds often marginal ; it does not produce bulbs. Found
throughout the Dominion

Asplenium

255

SIZE, 14lin. x loiin.

(99) ASPLENIUM BULBIFERUM, VAR. LAXUM. AUCKLAND.

A Large Specimen. Under Side.

256

New Zealand Ferns

(100) Var. tripinnatum (three-pinnate). Fronds
ample; thrice divided; leaflets narrow, resembling some
forms of A. flaccidam, but more compound and the tex-
ture thinner ; producing bulbs sparingly. Found through-
out the Dominion. I have met with no more ravishing
picture than the uncurling fronds of this species.

Mr. Cheeseman has an interesting note on this species.
“The typical state of A. bulbiferum is a well-known
plant throughout the whole of New Zealand, and is at
once distinguished from the other species of the genus
by the ample dark-green bipinnate fronds with compara-
tively broad pinnules, and especially by its habit of pro-
ducing small bulbils on the upper surface of the frond.
. . . When the bulbils are not developed, and the frond
is more slender, with narrower and more deeply-divided
pinnules, so that the sori are often almost marginal, the
plant becomes Var. laxum. . . Var. tripinnatum has still
narrower pinnules . . . and the sori are quite marginal.
. . . In addition to the above varieties, there are a large
number of puzzling forms which apparently connect the
species with A. jalcatum, A. lucidum Var. Lyalli, A.
lucidum Var. scleroprium, A. Hookerianum, A. Rich
ardi, and A. flaccidum. . . .”

Asplenium

257

SIZE, ltin. x 8in.

UOO) ASPLENIUM nULBIFERUM, VAR. TRITINNATUM.

Medium to Small Size. Under and Upper Side.

KAIPARA.

258

New Zealand Ferns

(101) A. Richard i (M. Richard). A somewhat puzz-
ling' species, standing midway between A. Hookerianum
Var. Colensoi and A. flaccidum. A South Island fern,
reported only from the Tararua Ranges in the North
Island.

Description. — Root short, stout, usually forming a rounded
knot-like stem, clothed at the top with dark-brown scales. Stalks
2 to 6 inches long, stout, rigid, erect, greenish, usually clothed
with scales. Fronds tufted, 3 to 9 inches long, without the stalks,
by 1 to 4 inches broad, dark-green, varying from firm to almost
membranous in texture. Seeds short, broad, along the margins
of the leaflets.

North Island: Tararua Ranges. South Island: Not uncommon
in hilly and mountainous country throughout. Sea-level to 4,000
feet.

Asplenium

259

SIZE, 14in. x lolin.

(101) ASPLENIUM RICHARDI.

A Medium Specimen.

SOUTH CANTERBURY.
Upper and Under Side.

260

New Zealand Ferns

(102) A. flaccidum (limp). “Pohutu-kawa.” When
seen hanging from the forest trees, 3 feet long, the leaf-
lets narrow and thick, as if cut from a piece of pale-
green leather, it is an odd-looking plant, quite unlike any
other New Zealand fern.

Description. — Root short, stout, erect, clothed at the top with
dark-brown scales. Stalks usually rather short, greenish, scaly at
the base. Fronds tufted, very variable in size and shape, 3 inches
to 3 feet long or more by 2 to 9 inches broad, thick and leathery,
flaccid and pendulous, or rigid and erect, green to pale-green,
quite smooth. Seeds oblong, usually on the margins of the leaflets.

Abundant throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to 3,500 feet.

A most ubiquitous species, growing in all sorts of odd
corners, most usually on trees and rocks, varying so
much in size and appearance that division into groups
would facilitate classification. It is putting a severe
strain on the faith of a student to be asked to believe
that a great pendulous frond hanging 3 feet from the
trunk of a tree is the same species as a stiff, upright,
almost spiky little plant a few inches high. Dr. Hooker
enumerated five varieties in his Handbook; only one —
Shuttleworthiamim — has been retained by Mr. Cheese-
man.

The illustrations show what very divergent forms are
classed under A. flaccidum. It is easy of cultivation,
being one of those which grew spontaneously in my
garden. A wide-spread plant, occurring in Australia,
Tasmania, and the Pacific Islands.

Asplenium

261

SIZE, lOlin. x 8in.

(102) ASPI.ENIUM FLACCIDUM.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

HUNUA.

262

New Zealand Ferns

SIZE, 6in. x 6in.

(102a) ASPLENIUM FLACCIDUM.

DIVERGENT FORMS.

UNDER SIDE.

Asplenium

263

SIZE, llin. x 9l\n.

(102b) ASPLENIUM FLACCIDUM.

DIVERGENT FORMS.

UNDER SIDE.
[Ste also page 271)

264

New Zealand Ferns

(103) Var.Shuttlewortliianum (Mr. Shuttleworth).
Fronds broader and much more compound, i to 2 feet
long by 4 to 10 inches broad, leathery, dark-green. Seeds
short, quite marginal. Kermadec Islands, abundant.

Asplenium

265

SIZE, 17in. x 7~in.

(103) ASPLENIUM FLACCIDUM, VAR. SHUTTLEWORTHI ANUM.

KERMADEC ISLANDS.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

266

New Zealand Ferns

(104) A. umbrosum (shady). A somewhat scarce
fern in New Zealand, frequenting alluvial or calcareous
soils in dark shady woods, or along river banks, disap-
pearing before settlement. A large, handsome species,
the little herring-bone rows of seeds very noticeable.

Description. — Root short, stout. Stalks 1 to 2 feet long, stout,
erect, scaly at the base, brownish-green. Fronds variable in size,
1 to 4 feet long, without the stalks, by 9 inches to 3 feet broad,
spreading, sometimes drooping at the tip, light to dark-green,
membranous, flaccid. Seeds conspicuous, usually five to six rows
on each leaflet, short, oblong.

North Island: Not uncommon from Mangonui County to the
East Cape and Taranaki ; from thence to Cook Straits somewhat
rare. South Island: Picton, Nelson, Foxhill, West Wanganui.
Sea-level to 1,800 feet.

I was unfortunate in my early search for this fern,
finding it first at Koromiko, Picton, a locality not men-
tioned in Mr. Cheeseman’s Manual.

Mr. Thomson describes it as too delicate. for outdoor
culture, an opinion not endorsed by Mr. Field. No doubt
they are each right, for their respective districts — Dun-
edin and Wanganui. In Auckland it is one of the easiest
ferns to grow.

It is a wide-spread species, found in Australia, India,
Africa, Canary Islands, Azores and Madeira.

Asplenium

267

SIZE, 19in. x llin.

(104) ASPLENIUM UMBROSUM.

A Small Specimen.

PICTON.

Under Side.

268

New Zealand Ferns

(105) A. japonicum (from Japan). A small, delicate,
pale-green fern, the rarest Asplenium in New Zealand;
reported only from the Kermadec Islands and the
northern end of the North Island. Usually growing on
the shady banks of creeks.

Description. — Root long, slender, creeping, densely scaly at
the tip. Stalks 3 to 9 inches long, slender, pale-brown or straw-
coloured, scaly when young, especially near the base. Fronds 6 to
12 inches long, without the stalk, by 2J to 5 inches broad, pale-
green, thin and membranous. Seeds narrow, oblong.

Kermadec Islands, not uncommon. North Island: Fairly plen-
tiful on banks of creeks, Mangonui County, Bay of Isalnds,
YVhangarei, Northern Wairoa.

The following extract from a letter to a brother col-
lector describes my finding of this fern: —

“I experienced the most extraordinary luck at Wha-
ngarei. Whether due to my disturbed night on board
the steamer or the ungodly hour at which I had been
roused from my bunk I cannot say, but my wits were
somewhat confused; I seemed to be in a kind of trance.
On reaching the hotel I had three-quarters of an hour to
wait for breakfast, with absolutely nothing to do, so I
jumped on my bicycle and rode out in search of Doodia
caudcita, which I knew was to be found in the neighbour-
hood. It was a clear, still day, with very few people
about. I looked absent-mindedly along the hedgerows,
but my bicycle seemed to take charge; instead of con-
tinuing along the straight road it turned down one that
led to the right, took me down a hill and then stopped
dead; I could not move it a yard! In front was a level
road, on the right a gate into a field where there was
some bush, on the left an unusually stiff barbed-wire

Asplenium

269

(105) ASPLENIUM JAPONICUM.

A Large Specimen.

KAITAIA.

Under Side.

SIZE, 13in. x 7^in.

270

New Zealand Ferns

fence; yet it was this to which I was irresistibly drawn,
and over which 1 had to climb.

Under some trees 1 saw plenty of Doodia media and
some Adiantums, but no D. caudata, the fern for which
I was looking. I also noticed several small pointed
fronds of what I took to be Hy pole pis, and I looked out
for a full-grown specimen, but there was none. After
traversing the patch of bush twice, I turned to retrace
my steps, concluding that I had been an ass to put such
a formidable fence between me and the road. Some-
thing unusual about the outline drew my eyes again to
the young pointed fronds growing on the side of a little
bank. Mechanically I stooped down and turned up the
back of a frond — ASPLENIUM!!! Without a doubt,
there were the little herringbone lines of seed — JAPON-
ICUM!!! Yes, it must be, though it had never been re-
ported from Whangarei.

Wonderful luck. Within half an hour of reaching
Whangarei I had found a fern that I had not seen dur-
ing my 40 years’ collecting— what collectors call “be-
ginner’s luck.’’ Digging up a root or two for my fernery
in Auckland, I packed them carefully in my kit and re-
turned to the hotel with my wits remarkably on the
alert. I was so bursting with exultation that I had to
tell the first person I met — a commercial traveller — my
excitement being such that it stirred even his mercenary
soul. Since this was written it has been reported from
south-west of Taupo and Nelson.”

This is a wide-spread species, ranging through Poly-
nesia, Malay Archipelago, India, China, and Japan.

Asplenium

271

NATURAL SIZE.

(102c) ASPLENIUM FLACCIDUM.

Maritime Form. A Tufted Specimen.

MANUKAU HEADS.

{See also pa^e 260)

272

New Zealand Ferns

XIX. ASPIDIUM

ASPIDIUM (aspidos, of a shield — the covering
of the seeds). “Shield Fern.” A genus of about 70 spe-
cies, with 5 well-authenticated species and 1 variety in
New Zealand.

A. CAPENSIS

( 106) A.aculeatum (sharp pointed). Var.vestitum
(clothed). Most easily recognised by the dark-coloured
scales on the stalk and running right up the middle of
the frond. Usually a terrestrial plant, forming a hand-
some crown of radiating leaves.

Description. — Root short, stout, erect, sometimes extending
to a stem, 1 to 4 feet high. Stalks 6 to 18 inches long, stout,
erect, densely clothed with spreading scales, glossy, black or dark-
brown with a pale margin, or tawny. Fronds numerous, forming
a spreading crown, 1 to 3 feet long, without the stalks, by 4 to 9
inches broad ; the points of the leaflets almost like prickles, tex-
ture firm, dark-green, sometimes with shades of brown. Seeds,
6 to 8 to a leaflet, in two rows nearer the midrib than the margin.

Found throughout the Dominion ; rather local from Cape Col-
ville to East Cape ; not uncommon in hilly districts from thence
to Wellington ; abundant to the south of Cook Strait. Sea-level
to 3,500 feet.

Aspidium

273

SIZE, 12iin. x 5in.

(106) ASPIDIUM ACULEATUM, VAR. VESTITUM.

A Small Specimen. Under Side.

P1CTON.

274

New Zealand Ferns

An extremely handsome species; the conspicuous
scales making- a fine contrast to the dark-green leaves.
It is easily cultivated, and makes a welcome addition to
the fernery. The species varies greatly in the size, shape,
and texture of the fronds, and in many other respects.
The fronds are sometimes forked or crested at the tip,
and are sometimes proliferous.

A. aculcatum, in some of its forms, is found in almost
all parts of the world. The English type is known as the
“Narrow Prickly Shield Fern.” The New Zealand va-
riety, mainly distinguished by the dark-coloured scales
covering stalk and midrib, is also found in Australia,
Tasmania, and Fuegia.

(107) Var. sylvaticum (sylvan). Smaller and much
more slender. Fronds few, 12 to 24 inches long, includ-
ing the stalks, less firm in texture and of a lighter green;
the covering of the seeds not developed.

Note. — I have not included A. mohriodes, which has
only once been reported from the Auckland Islands.

Aspidium

275

SIZE, 12^in. x 9in.

(107) ASPIUIUM ACULEATUM, VAR. SYLVATICUM.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

WAIKATO.

JJ a

276

New Zealand Ferns

(108) A. Richardi (M. Richard). A prickly-look-
ing species, harsh to the touch, clark-green ; the seeds
when young covered by a circular disc with a black dot
in the centre.

Description. — Root short, thick, densely clothed with dark-
brown scales. Stalks 6 to 18 inches long, more or less clothed
with scales and woolly hairs. Fronds few, tufted, 9 to 18 inches
long, without the stalks, by 3 to 9 inches broad, dark-green, some-
times changing to red-brown towards the outer edges, lighter
coloured beneath ; leaflets pointed finely, like prickles. Seeds cov-
ered by a circular disc, in two rows on each leaflet, about midway
between the midrib and the margin.

From the North Cape to South Otago, not uncommon, especi-
ally near the sea ; abundant in the King Country, unusually large
and luxurious on Mokoia Island, Rotorua.

A species easily grown, not averse to hot sunshine;
one of those which sowed themselves in my garden. The
unrolling crook is of a speckled grey colour, maturing
quickly and soon producing seeds. Found also in Fiji.

The young fronds of this fern show none of the
harshness and rigidity of the mature plant; the grey
stalks making a lovely contrast to the tender-green
leaves; the black-green stripe shooting like a dart along
each midrib adds much to the beauty of the frond.

A very divergent form of this species is illustrated
(io8a) from the West Coast, near Manukau Heads.
The difference between the young plants as pictured
(To8b) is very striking.

Aspidium

277

SIZE, 12in. x loin.

(108) ASPIDIUM RICHARDI.

A Medium Specimen.

AUCKLAND.

Upper and Under Side.

278

New Zealand Ferns

SIZE, 14in. x 8in.

Aspidium

279

SIZE, 9in. x 65in.

(108b) ASPIDIUM RICHARDI. MANUKAU HEADS.

From young plants growing in my garden. Upper Side.

280

New Zealand Ferns

Left-hand Specimen. — Colour of frond bright glistening
green, as if polished. No darkening of stalk or midribs, the leaf
being of an even colour throughout. Growth decumbent, fronds
curved, leaflets crowded, soft to tbe touch.

Right-hand Specimen. — Colour of frond dark dull-green,
not shining. Stalk and midribs strongly defined by a dark, nearly
black, spear-shaped line. Growth upright and straight, leaflets
spaced at a little distance apart, harsh, almost prickly to the touch.

Both these varieties have grown spontaneously in my
garden within a few yards of each other.

Note. — I have not included A. oculatum. Both Mr.
Cheeseman and Mr. Baker consider it as only a trivial
variety of A. Richardi.

(109) A. cystostegia (bearing coverings of bladders).
A small, very distinct alpine species, easily recognised
by the fluffy pale-brown scales on stalks and midribs.

Description. — Root short, stout, densely scaly, sometimes
branched above. Stalks 2 to 6 inches high, pale-brown, clothed
with large, membranous, light-brown scales. Fronds tufted, very
numerous, 4 to 10 inches long, without the stalk, by lJf to 2 inches
broad, pale-green, soft, membranous and almost flaccid, both
surfaces clothed with scales when young. Seeds numerous, 2 to
4 to a leaflet ; covering of the seeds thin, membranous, pale-col-
oured, very convex.

North Island: Mount Egmont, Tongariro, Tararua Moun-
tains. South Island : Not uncommon in alpine districts through-
out. Auckland Islands. 3,000 to 5,500 feet.

A form with a firmer frond and dark-coloured scales
on the stalks is occasionally met with. According to Mr.
Thomson it is extremely hardy and easy of cultivation,
but Mr. Field’s experience was of a negative character.
It is confined to New Zealand.

Aspidium

281

SIZE, 8jin. x 3in.

(109) ASPIDIUM CYSTOSTEGIA.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

NELSON.

282

New Zealand Ferns

(no) ^ .capense (a native of the Cape). A remark-
ably handsome fern, whether viewed closely or at a dis-
tance. Most easily recognised by the large, circular,
jet-black patches of seed. I have usually found it climb-
ing trees, especially tree-ferns.

Description. — Root long, stout, creeping, covered with large,
tawny, silky scales. Stalks 1 to 2 feet long, stout, erect, more or
less densely clothed with scales. Fronds scattered along the root,
9 to 18 inches long, without the stalks, by 6 to 12 inches broad,
texture very firm and rigid, smooth and shining on the upper
surface, lighter below, brownish-green, bright-green, to golden-
green. Seeds conspicuous, in two rows near the midrib, often
covering the whole under surface.

Abundant throughout the Dominion.

The seeds at a certain stage of their growth are jet-
black, giving the leaf a very remarkable appearance
when viewed from below. The graceful frond stands
out silhouetted against the sky, with row upon row of
conspicuous seeds showing on the under side. It also
differs from the other New Zealand species in having
blunt rounded points to most of the leaflets, and the
veins show so distinctly in dark-green lines on the upper
surface as to greatly enrich its appearance. ( Seepage 237)

It is a somewhat difficult species to transplant; I have
found the best plan is to cut away some of the fibres in
which the rootlets are embedded. Mr. Field recommends
taking up a very young plant and transferring it to good
vegetable mould, when it will thrive well.

In the Auckland district it shows a preference for
tree-ferns. The roots, rendered conspicuous by the thick

Aspidium

283

SIZE, 12ain. x 4iin.

(110) ASPIDIUM CAPENSE.

A Medium Specimen.

KAIPARA.

Under Side.

284

New Zealand Ferns

covering of pale-brown scales, can be traced through
the moss, filmy ferns, and other creeping plants, as they
branch and climb the stem, putting out here and there a
few graceful fronds, which become larger and more
plentiful near the summit, and culminate in one or two
laden with jet-black seeds.

It is a widely distributed fern, found in temperate
Australia, Polynesia, South Africa, Mauritius, and in
America from Cuba to Patagonia.

( 111) A. aristatum (awned). A wide-spread tropi-
cal species, extending to the Ivermadec Islands, where
it is abundant.

Description.- — Roots long, stout, creeping, clothed with rusty
scales. Stalks 9 to 18 inches long, stout, densely scaly towards
the base. Fronds scattered along the root, 1 to 2 feet long by 9 to
12 inches wide, dark-green, glossy, the tips of the leaflets like
prickles. Seeds rather small, in two rows near the midrib.

Kermadec Islands, Sunday Island, abundant.

Found also in Polynesia, Australia, Malaya, India, China,
Japan, and South Africa.

Aspidium

285

SIZE, Hin. x 9iin.

(Ill) ASPIDIUM ARISTATUM. KERMADEC ISLANDS.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

286

New Zealand Ferns

XX. NEPHRODIUM

NEPHRODIUM (nephros, kidney — shape of the
seed cover). “Buckler Fern.” A genus of over 400
species, with 8 in New Zealand. Medium-sized ferns;
the round patches of seed protected by a kidney-shaped
covering.

N. DECOMPOSITUM

(112 ) N.Thelypteris (lady-fern). V ar . squamulo-

sum (scaly). A marsh fern, with barren and fertile
fronds; seeds covered with a kidney-shaped membrane.

Description. — Root long, slender, creeping, branched. Stalks
4 to 12 inches long, slender, smooth, straw-coloured. Fronds
scattered along the root, 6 to 12 inches long, without the stalks,
rarely more, by 2 to 5 inches broad, pale-green, membranous.
Seeds numerous, small, in two rows, rather nearer the margin
than the midrib.

North Island: Marshes from the North Cape to the East Cape,
Taupo, and Wanganui ; but often local. Sea-level to 2,000 feet.

The typical form is found in Europe, Asia, and America. Var.
squamnlosum is confined to New Zealand and South Africa.

Nephrodium

287

SIZE, 13Sin. x 7in.

(112) NEPHRODIUM THELYPTERIS, VAR. SQUAMULOSUM. MAKETU.

A Large Specimen. Barren and Fertile Fronds.

288

New Zealand Ferns

(113) N. decom positum ( decompound ) . A soft, pale-
green fern, usually growing in alluvial soil near river
banks. Perhaps the distinguishing feature, which it
shares in common with the other species of the genus,
is the larger size of the lowest pair of leaflets near the
stalk.

Description. — Root long and slender, creeping, branched,
more or less clothed with chaffy scales. Stalks 6 to 18 inches
long, firm, erect, scaly towards the base, hairy above. Fronds
scattered along the root, not tufted, though they sometimes grow
in crowded groups, 9 to 18 inches long, without the stalks, often
almost as broad, texture inclined to be firm, pale-green, more or
less covered with fine hairs; midrib the same colour as the frond.
Seeds rather large, distant, about half-way between the margin
and the midrib.

From the North Cape to Foveaux Strait, not uncommon. Sea-
level to 1,200 feet.

A pretty, soft-green fern, varying considerably in
size. Upon the Island of Waiheke, in poor soil, I have
found them under shady trees with fronds that did not
rise 6 inches above the sward; while, in the Waitakere
district, on alluvial soil and almost in the open, the
sturdy fronds stood up 3 feet from the ground. It is an
easy species to grow. Some which I brought from Wai-
heke have quickly responded to the richer soil by putting
forth larger and stronger fronds. An abundant Aus-
tralian plant, ranging from North Queensland to Tas-
mania and Norfolk Island.

Nephrodium

289

SIZE, llin. x 9lin.

(113) NEPHRODIUM DECOMPOSITUM. WAITAKERE.

A Small Specimen. Under Side.

290

New Zealand Ferns

(114) N.glabellum (smooth). Very similar in gen-
eral appearance to N. decomposition, but the fronds are
a darker green, more finely cut, somewhat smaller, and
almost free from hairs. A closer inspection also reveals
the fact that the root is short and tufted — not creeping.

Description. — Roots short, stout. Stalks 4 to 10 inches long,
slender, firm, usually reddish-brown, scaly at base, smooth or
nearly so above. Fronds tufted, 6 to 14 inches long or more,
without the stalks, by 4 to 10 inches broad, membranous but firm,
dark-green, glossy; the lowest pair of leaflets the largest; midrib
reddish-brown. Seeds distant, about half-way between the mar-
gin and the midrib.

In dry woods from North Cape to Foveaux Strait, not un-
common.

This beautiful fern, with its tufts of glossy fronds,
was for some time classed as a variety of N. decomposi-
tion; its recognition as a valid species is chiefly due to
the entirely different rooting of the two plants. It is one
of the easiest ferns to cultivate. Occurring in Australia
and several of the Polynesian Islands.

Nephrodium

291

SIZE, 14in. x 9in.

(Ill) NEPHRODIUM GLABELEUM.

A Medium Specimen.

WA IRA RAPA.

Under Side.

292

New Zealand Ferns

(115) N. velutinum (velvety). Distinguished by the
reddish-brown colour of the stalks and midribs, which
imparts to the frond a delicate tint of Indian red; the
velvety feel of the leaves, and the large size of the lowest
leaflets. The silky brown hairs which cover the whole
frond are so abundant on the midribs as to give them a
much darker hue than the rest of the leaf.

Description. — Root short, stout, erect. Stalks 9 to 18 inches
long, firm, erect, densely hairy, clothed at the base with large
red-brown scales. Fronds tufted, 9 to 18 inches long, without the
stalks, almost the same in breadth, green to greeii with a reddish-
brown tinge, membranous and soft, clothed on both surfaces with
soft silky hairs ; lower primary and secondary leaflets much the
largest. Seeds copious, rather small.

In dry woods from the North Cape to Otago; but rather local
in the South Island. Sea-level to 1,000 feet.

By some considered one of the most beautiful of our
ferns, having three good claims to that distinction — the
aesthetic colour of the broad fronds, their soft velvety
texture, and the wonderfully graceful outline — the ex-
tension of the lower leaflets being more pronounced than
in any other species of the genus. I have found it grow-
ing on dry banks overlooking the sea, sometimes within
reach of the spray. It used to be plentiful near Auck-
land, about Hobson Bay and Orakei, but of late years I
have not been able to find a plant. It is easily cultivated,
sometimes developing forked tips to the fronds, and
makes a very handsome addition to the fernery.

I know of nothing more daintily perfect than the
young fronds of this species. One wonders at their soft
bloom surviving undamaged the rude buffeting of the
wind and the plash of heavy raindrops. The tender,
immature leaves, perfect in every detail, of a virginal
green shading off to a lighter tint at the margins, are
greatly embellished by the soft brown of the stalks and
midribs.

Found only in New Zealand.

Nephrodium

293

SIZE, 13iin. x 9ain.

(115) NEPHRODIUM VEHJTINUM.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

ORAKEI.

294

New Zealand Ferns

(116) N. setigerum (bristly). Hitherto reported only
from the Kermadec Islands.

Description. — Root short. Stalks 1 to 2 feet long or more,
firm, erect, straw-coloured, slightly chaffy at the base, smooth
above. Fronds tufted, 1 to 3 feet long by 9 to 18 inches broad,
pale-green, membranous. Midribs densely clothed with hairs on
upper surface ; under side of the fronds bristly. Seeds copious,
small.

Kermadec Islands : Ravines on north side of Sunday Island,
not uncommon.

An abundant species throughout Polynesia, ranging from Aus-
tralia to Malaya, India, China, and Japan.

Nephrodium

295

SIZE, lllin. x loin.

(116) NEPHRODIUM SETIGERUM. KERMADEC ISLANDS.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

296

New Zealand Ferns

(117) N. hispidum (hairy). The most plentiful of
the genus in New Zealand. Easily recognised by the ex-
cessive hairiness of the stalks and midribs, the finely-
divided frond, and the thin, dry texture of the leaves.

Description. — Root long, stout, creeping, densely clothed with
red-brown scales. Stalks 9 to 18 inches long, stout, erect, brown,
everywhere bristly with long brown hairs. Fronds 9 to 18 inches
long or more, without the stalks, by 6 to 12 inches broad, thin
and firm in texture, green, yellow-green, sometimes tinged with
brown. Midribs bristly, like the stalks. Seeds copious, large.

Abundant throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to 2,000 feet.

This species is so plentiful in lowland bush that it
often covers the ground far and wide with a mat of
feathery fronds; specimens for the herbarium may be
gathered by the hundred, so flat and dry that little press-
ing is necessary. I have encountered it festooning the
stem of a tree-fern with handsome fronds over 2 feet
long, the under side heavy with an abundant crop of
seed.

It is easily cultivated, sending up its perfect fronds
with the same regularity in the fernery as it does in the
forest. The colours of the young fronds are distractingly
lovely, several shades appearing on the plants simulta-
neously— light shiny green, pale golden-brown with
emerald tips, bronze-green shaded off into lighter hues
at the margins.

Found also in Victoria, where it is rare and local.

Nephrodium

297

SIZE, llin. x llin.

(117) NEPHRODIUM HISPIDUM. HUNUA.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

298

New Zealand Ferns

(118 ) N.unitum (united). A swamp-loving fern,
for long reported only from the thermal springs district,
but found of late years in the far north of Auckland ; it
is a larger and a darker green plant than N. thelypteris
— our other marsh fern.

Description. — Root long, stout, creeping, sparingly clothed
with dark-brown scales. Stalks 6 to 14 inches long, smooth, erect,
almost black at the base, brownish above. Fronds 6 to 18 inches
long, without the stalks, by 3 to 9 inches broad, somewhat rigid
and dry in texture, smooth, dark-green. Seeds copious, nearer
the margin than the midrib.

North Island: Swamps in the North Cape district, at Hou-
lioura, Waihi, Rangaunu Harbour, Ahipara, etc. ; hot springs at
Miranda. Thames; hot water swamps in thermal springs district;
not uncommon from Maketu and Rotorua to Waiotapu, Roto-
kawa, Wairakei, and Tokaanu. Sea-level to 1,800 feet.

When returning from a trip to the Taupo district with
plants of our two swamp-loving ferns — N. thelypteris
and N. unitum , I was at a loss where to put them. Then
a happy and very obvious solution occurred to me — make
a swamp! I made a swamp on a diminutive scale, and,
so far, with complete success. Fresh fronds are appear-
ing each week.

An abundant species in most tropical, and warm tem-
perate countries.

Nephrodium

299

SIZE, 13in. x loin.

(118) NEPHRODIUM UNITUM. MANGONUI.

A Medium Specimen. Under and Upper Side.

300

New Zealand Ferns

(119) N. molle (soft). Like N. unitum , this species
was supposed to be confined to the thermal springs dis-
trict until Mr. R. H. Matthews found a small patch
growing beside the Mangatete Stream, near Rangaunu
Harbour. The frond is not unlike that of P oly podium
pennigerum, but the plant is very much smaller, softer
and more tender, of a paler green, the midribs of a
lighter colour than the leaves, not darker, as with P.
pennigerum.

Description. — Root very short, creeping, erect. Stalks 9 to
24 inches long, slender, greenish, smooth or bearing a few soft
hairs. Fronds tufted, 1 to 3 feet long by 6 to 12 inches broad,
pale-green, membranous and flaccid. Midribs pale, furnished with
downy hairs. Seeds copious, about half-way between the midrib
and the margin.

Kermadec Islands. North Cape district ; thermal springs, by
banks of the Otumakokori, near Waiotapu ; Wairakei.

A wide-spread species, abundant in tropical and semi-
tropical countries. I have seen it growing vigorously
under cultivation in an Auckland fernery.

Nephrodium

301

SIZE, 12in. x 82m.

MANGONUI.

(119) NEPHRODIUM MOLLE.

A Medium Specimen.

Under Side.

302

New Zealand Ferns

XXI. NEPHROLEPIS

NEPHROLEPIS (nephros, kidney; lepis, scale).
A genus of only 7 or 8 species, with 2 in New Zealand.
Fronds long and narrow; seeds roundish, protected by
a kidney-shaped covering.

N. CORDIFOLI A

(120) N. cordifolia (heart-leaved). There is no con-
fusing this with any other New Zealand species; the
long narrow frond with a close-set row of small leaflets
on either side of the midrib is quite distinct. Found only
in the thermal district.

Description. — Root short, semi-erect or oblique, producing
numerous suckers, which root here and there, and produce new
plants, sometimes bearing small scaly tubers. Stalks short, 1 to
4 inches long, red-brown, glossy, more or less clothed with scales.
Fronds numerous, tufted, 1 to 3 feet long by 1^ to 2 inches broad,
pale-green, membranous. Midrib usually shaggy with scales.
Seeds in two rows on the leaflets, rather nearer the margin than
the midrib.

North Island : Thermal springs district in localities heated by
hot water, Otumakokori Stream near Waiotapu, Wairakei, Kara-
piti, and other localities at Taupo.

A species easily grown in the fernery, and a favourite
pot plant. An abundant tropical fern, extending north-
wards to Japan and southwards to New Zealand.
According to Mr. Thomson the roots bear egg-shaped
tubers in tropical America and India, which constitute
an article of food.

Nephrolepis

303

SIZE, 12iin. x 2in.

(120) NEPHROLEPIS CORDIFOLIA. TAUPO.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

304

New Zealand Ferns

(121) N. exaltata (exalted). A fern with a very
much broader frond than N. cordifolia, an abundant
tropical species, so far reported only from the Kerma-
decs.

Description . — Root short, indistinct, emitting long, wiry creep-
ing suckers. Stalks 3 to 9 inches long, stout, erect. Fronds nu-
merous, 1 to 3 feet long by 4 to 5 inches broad, rather stiff in
texture. Midribs and sometimes the under surface of the leaflets
woolly. Seeds numerous, close to the margin, rather small.

Kermadec Islands : Sunday Island, sandy flats in Denham Bay ;
not seen elsewhere. An abundant tropical fern all round the
world.

Nephrolepis

305

SIZE, 16in. x 5in.

(121) NEPHROLEPIS EXALTATA. KERMADEC ISLANDS.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

306

New Zealand Ferns

XXII. POLYPODIUM

POLYPODIUM (polys, many; podos, of a foot).
A genus of over 500 species (the largest in the world),
with 10 species and 3 varieties in New Zealand. Very
variable in size, shape, and manner of growth. Seeds
in roundish patches on the backs of the leaves, with-
out any protective covering.

P. BILLARDIERI

(122) P. punctatum (dotted). A wide-spreading,
handsome fern, resembling Hypolcpis tenui folia in habit
and in the shape of the fronds, but the seeds have no
protective covering, and are not placed so close to the
margin, while both stalks and leaves are covered with
sticky hairs.

Description. — Root long, creeping, clothed with red hairs.
Stalks 6 to 18 inches long, firm, erect, red-brown, rough and
densely covered with viscid hairs. Fronds scattered along the
root, very variable in size, from 6 to 36 inches long by 3 to 18
inches broad, rather membranous, green to yellow-green and
brown-green, both surfaces carrying small silky hairs. Midrib
viscid and rough like the stalk. Seeds rather large, round, in two
rows on the leaflets, close to the margin, often covering the whole
under surface.

Polypodium

307

SIZE, 12in. x 9oin.

308

New Zealand Ferns

Abundant throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to 2,500 feet.

The fundamental difference between this species and
Hypolepis tcnui folia lies in the seeds, the former being
devoid of any covering, the latter protected by a slight
fold of the leaf, but, as this fold is sometimes absent,
one must look for a more persistent divergence, perhaps
the stickiness of P. punctatmn is the surest guide; the
stalks and midribs are provided with viscid glandular
hairs. I have often seen thistle-down caught and held by
these ferns. In the young state they are most dissimilar
and can hardly be confused. Hypolepis is of a pale
bright green, both stalks and leaves, covered with scat-
tered white hairs. Poly podium is of a dull darkish green,
the stalks and midribs reddish-brown, which gives to the
frond a dusky aspect. A wide-spread species in the tro-
pics and the south temperate zone.

(123) P. pennigerum (bearing wings). One of the
most abundant ferns in New Zealand, forming hand-
some crowns of radiating leaves, often growing with a
short stem; seeds small and round.

Description.- — Root short, erect, sometimes lengthened into a
stem 1 to 2 feet high. Stalks 6 to 12 inches long, stout, rather
succulent, more or less clothed with brown scales near the base,
smooth above. Fronds 2 to 5 feet long by 9 to 18 inches broad,
thin and membranous, lightish-green. Seeds small, numerous, in
two rows on the leaflets, much nearer the midrib than the margin.

Polypodium

309

SIZE, 23in. x 18in.

(123) POLYPODIUM PENNIGERUM. AUCKLAND.

A Medium Specimen. Upper Side.

310

New Zealand Ferns

Abundant in woods throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to
2.000 feet.

The beauty of this fern is greatly enhanced, the sym-
metrical frond much enriched, by the dark brown of the
midribs, both primary and secondary, and the conspicu-
ous veins. It seems to grow anywhere, but is most luxu-
riant in wet alluvial ground, where it often assumes the
form of a miniature tree. Needless to say, it was one of
those which grew spontaneously in my garden. It is
easily cultivated, practically requiring no attention.

A very distinct species confined to New Zealand.

(124) Var.Hamiltoni (Mr. Hamilton). Smaller and
more delicate. Fronds i to 2 feet long by 3 to 5 inches
broad. Leaflets irregular, crisped, pale-green. Seeds
midway between the midrib and the margin. A very
peculiar plant, possibly an abnormal state. Reported
only from Kereru, Hawke’s Bay.

Polypodium

311

SIZE, 7in. x 2l\n.

(124) POLYPODIUM PENNIGERUM, VAR. HAMILTON!.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

HAWKE’S BAY.

312

New Zealand Ferns

(125) P. australe (southern). A small fern, with a
narrow undivided leaf, seldom more than 6 inches long;
usually found growing in small tufts upon rocks and
tree trunks; seeds rather large for so small a plant, in
a slanting row on either side of the midrib.

Description.— Roots very short, erect, or oblique, crowned
with copious brown scales. Fronds numerous, crowded together,
1 to 6 inches long by Jin. toJin. broad, green to dark-green,
smooth, texture firm. Seeds in a single row on each side of the
midrib, nearer to it than to the margin, oblong, oblique.

Not uncommon throughout the Dominion.

This species is not difficult to cultivate if part of the
bark in which the roots are embedded is removed with
the fern.

A very variable little plant, found also in Australia
and Tasmania, Chili, Fuegia, Tristan d’Acunha, and
Marion Island.

(126) Var. villosum (hairy). Stalks, margins, and
the under surface of the fronds more or less covered
with long spreading hairs, often partially concealing
the seed. Much the same habitat as P. australe.

(127) Var. pumilum (dwarfed). Small, very densely
matted. Root stout, creeping, sometimes i to 2 inches
long, fronds -3-in. to fin. long, very thick and leathery,
smooth or obscurely hairy beneath. Seeds large, round-
ish, solitary, usually near the tip of the frond. In moun-
tain districts from East Cape southwards, ascending to
over 5,000 feet.

SIZE. 7in. x 2iin. NATURAL SIZE. NATURAL SIZE.

Polypodium

313

< CQ O

(125) POLYPODIUM AUSTRALE. A Large Specimen. Underside. TAUPiRI.

(126) P. AUSTRALE. VAR. V1LLOSUM. A Medium Specimen. Underside. EAST CAPE.

(127) P. AUSTRALE. VAR. PUMILUM. A Large Specimen. Underside. EAST CAPE.

314

New Zealand Ferns

(128) P. grammitidis (grammitis-like, the seeds
being- in a line). A small species; the leaf cut into nar-
row, toothed segments; almost confined to the trunks
of trees.

Description. — Root short, crowned with scales. Stalks short,
wiry, naked, 1 to 2 inches long. Fronds tufted, very variable in
size and shape, 3 to 9 inches long by 1 to 3 inches broad, dark-
green. firm in texture. Seeds oblong or rounded.

Abundant throughout the Dominion on trunks of trees, more
rarely on rocks. Sea-level to 3,500 feet.

This species is not difficult to transplant if a part of
the bark be removed with the plant. Found also in Aus-
tralia and Tasmania.

Polypodium

315

SIZE, 7in. x 52 in.

(128) POLYPODIUM GRAMMITIDIS.

A Medium Specimen. Upper and Under Side.

PICTON.

316

New Zealand Ferns

(129) P. tenellum (tender). A very elegant fern,
usually growing on trees or stony ground; easily recog-
nised from the illustration ; the slightly scalloped mar-
gins of the seeded fronds give it a very attractive ap-
pearance.

Description. — Root very long, slender, rigid, wiry, climbing
up the trunks of trees or over rocks, clothed with chestnut-brown
scales. Stalks short, 1 to 3 inches long, jointed near the root.
Fronds scattered, erect or pendulous, 1 to 2 feet long by 2 to 5
inches broad, dark-green, thin but firm in texture, leaflets jointed
to the stalk. Seeds round, two rows on each leaflet close to the
margin.

North Island: In woods from Three Kings Islands and North
Cape to Cook Strait; but often local. South Island: Vicinity of
Nelson, Banks Peninsula.

Mr. Field describes this as easy of cultivation; per-
sonally I have found it difficult to transplant, though I
tried to carry out Mr. Field’s instructions to the letter
— “any bit of the terrestrial rhizomes (surface root)
will grow if pegged down among leaf-mould and dead
leaves.” See page 325.

Also in Norfolk Island, Australia and New Caledonia.

Polypodium

317

SIZE, 13in. x 8in.

(129) POLYPODIUM TENELLUM. AUCKLAND.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

318

New Zealand Ferns

(130) P. serpens (creeping). A small climbing
species, with very thick leaves, whitish or buff-coloured
underneath, growing on rocks, trees, and old walls.

Description. — Root long, creeping, branched, climbing up the
trunks of trees or over rocks, thickly clothed with brown scales.
Stalks distant from each other, pn. to 3 inches long, firm, erect,
jointed to the root. Fertile fronds 2 to 6 inches long by -gin. to
4-in. broad, dark-green or yellow-green, densely clothed beneath
with whitish or buff-coloured scales almost concealing the seeds.
Barren fronds variable in size and shape, 1 to 3 or even 4 inches
long by ^in. to 1 inch broad, sometimes nearly round. Seeds very
copious, irregularly scattered, prominent, often confined to the
upper part of the frond.

Abundant throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to 3,500 feet.

A species that does not disappear before settlement; it
has already taken possession of introduced trees and
stone walls. It grows on the trees in my garden, having-
entered without the formality of an introduction. In-
deed, it is somewhat of an importunate guest, almost as
ubiquitous as the sparrow. The only trees which seem
to escape this pushing visitor are the Californian red-
wood and the gums. It is already quite at home on the
oak, the macrocarpa, and the Norfolk Island pine.

Plentiful in Eastern Australia; found also in Norfolk
Island, and several of the Pacific Islands.

Polypodium

319

SIZE, 6in. x 5?in.

(130) POLYPODIUM SERPENS. KAIPARA.

A Medium Specimen. Under and Upper Side. ( Ser aha paet 3 5 1 )

320

New Zealand Ferns

( 131) P. Cunninghamii (Mr. Cunningham). A nar-
row-leaved fern, with big oval patches of brown seeds
on the under side. Somewhat similar in outline to P.
serpens, but larger, very much thinner in texture, and
green below, not covered with whitish scales. Usually
climbing over trees and rocks.

Description. — Roots short, knot-like, densely clothed with
brown scales, emitting woolly rootlets, some of which creep and
produce new tufts of fronds. Stalks gradually expanding into
the leaf, sometimes bearing a dense tuft of scales at the base.
Fronds 4 to 12 inches long by fin. to fin. broad, bright-green,
rather fleshy, inclined to be firm, quite smooth. Midrib stout, con-
spicuous. Seeds large, broadly oblong or rounded, prominent, in
a single row on each side of the frond, nearer the midrib than
the margin.

North Island : In forests from the North Cape to Cook Strait,
not uncommon. South Island: Nelson — Matai Valley; Marlbo-
rough; Canterbury — Akaroa. Sea-level to 2,500 feet.

A very abundant species in the Auckland district. It
sometimes covers every stone, rock, tree-root and the
lower trunk, over large areas, with a verdant tapestry of
tender green fronds. Found also in the New Hebrides.

Polypodium

321

SIZE, 9|in. x 7£in.

(131) POLYPODIUM CUNNINGHAM 1 1. AUCKLAND.

A Large Specimen. Upper anti Under Sides. The three plants are connected by rootlets.

322

New Zealand Ferns

(132) P. pustulatum (covered with pustules). An
inveterate climber; fronds long, irregularly cut, droop-
ing and tender; the rounded seeds, forming a conspicu-
ous row parallel with the margin, give to the under side
a rich, fruitful appearance.

Description— Root very long, much branched, climbing up
trunks of trees and over rocks, clothed everywhere with dark-
brown scales. Stalks scattered along the root, 2 to 14 inches long,
firm, slender, smooth. Fronds very variable in size and outline,
dark-green, thin and membranous, quite smooth ; sometimes long
and narrow, 3 to 9 inches by ^in. to fin., quite entire ; at other
times irregularly forked, 6 to 18 inches long by 2 to 6 inches
broad. Veins not very distinct, netted. Seeds rather small com-
pared with P. Cnnninghamii and P. Billardieri, rounded, forming
a parallel row with the margin and just within it, or overlapping
it when ripe, sunk in a small cavity, which shows as a small bulge
on the upper side of the leaf.

Abundant in woods from the North Cape to Nelson, Marlbo-
rough, and Westland; from thence to the south of Otago less
plentiful. Sea-level to 2,500 feet.

A beautiful, graceful species, notwithstanding the un-
pleasant name with which it has been encumbered. Re-
cently 1 came across one of those lovely pictures that
only Nature can contrive. A fallen monarch of the
forest lay prone upon the hillside, the unsightly ravages
of age veiled under a cascade of the tender green fronds
of this fern. It made me think hard things of the botan-
ist who had cursed it with such a name.

The fronds are fragrant when freshly dried, and w'ere
formerly used by the Maoris for scenting oil. It is found
also in Australia and Norfolk Island.

Polypodium

323

SIZE, 14£in. x 9in.

(132) POLYPODIUM PUSTULATUM. HUNUA.

A Medium Specimen. Barren Fronds. Upper and Under Sides.

324

New Zealand Ferns

(133) P. Billardieri (M. Billardiere). Sometimes
called “Hound’s Tongue.” A broad-leaved, bright-green
species, climbing over rocks and trees with a thick creep-
ing root; very irregular in shape and size; the large
round seeds of a bright orange, most conspicuous.

Upper Side Seeds seen through the leaf. {See also page 306)

Description. — Root long, stout, creeping, often sea-green in
colour, covered with black specks. Stalks jointed to the root, 2 to
8 inches long, stout, erect, smooth and glossy. Fronds numerous,
scattered along the root, bright-green, stiff and firm in texture,
polished and shining, varying greatly in shape, sometimes 3 to 9
inches long by \m. to 2 inches broad, quite entire ; sometimes
6 to 18 inches long by 3 to 9 inches broad, deeply forked. Veins
netted, and conspicuous in young fronds. Seeds numerous, large,
round, orange-red, forming a single row on each side of the mid-
rib, sunk in shallow cavities, which make a small bulge on the
upper side of the frond.

Abundant throughout the Dominion, usually on rocks and
trees, but sometimes on the ground. Sea-level to 3,000 feet.

The large glossy leaves of this handsome fern are
very noticeable, giving an appearance of tropical luxuri-
ance to the scene. The contrast of the brilliantly coloured
discs of orange-red seeds with the bright green leaves
makes them most attractive. The collector is lured to
gather numerous specimens, which, alas ! lose nearly all
their glory in the process of drying.

It grows everywhere, in the shade or in the sun — one
of those that sowed itself in my garden; very easy to
cultivate. The stalk of the young frond uncoils slowly,
expanding above into a small leaf, which increases in
size (not by unrolling) until the full dimensions of the

SIZE, 13in. x 12jin.

Poi.y podium

325

(133) POLY PODIUM BI LI. ARDIERT. Small to Medium Specimen. Under and Upper Side. PENROSE.

326

New Zealand Ferns

frond are attained. The fresh virginal leaf, with its
delicate, very distinct veining, is a beautiful object, as
smooth and shining as glass, and of the purest and most
delicate shades of green imaginable.

Found also in Norfolk Island, Lord Howe Island,
Australia, and Tasmania.

Polypodium

327

SIZE, 12in. x 6in.

(133a) POLYPODIUM BILLARDIERI. WAITEMATA.

A Medium Specimen. Upper Side. A Young Frond, showing Veins.

328

New Zealand Ferns

( 134) P. novae zealandiae (New Zealand). Though
closely allied to P. Billardieri, this is a larger fern, the
creeping root much stouter and covered with shaggy
brown scales; the leaflets narrower, more pointed and
more symmetrical. Confined to the forest country in the
centre of the North Island.

Description. — Root long, stout, woody, as thick as the finger,
densely clothed with tawny scales. Stalks 6 to 12 inches long,
firm, erect, pale-brown, shining, quite naked. Fronds scattered
along the root, large, 1 to 4 feet long by 6 to 14 inches broad,
texture rather firm, dark-green, quite smooth. Seeds large, round,
forming a single row on each side of the midrib.

North Island: Te Aroha, Pirongia, Karioi Mountain, Lake
YVaikaremoana, Waimarino Forest to the west of Ruapehu.
Usually on logs or climbing up trees; rarely on the ground.
1.5C0 to 3,000 feet.

An extremely handsome species, apparently confined
to the central portion of the North Island. Mr. Field
never succeeded in growing it, though he took consider-
able pains. Found only in New Zealand.

Polypodium

329

SIZE, 14in. x 8 i i 11 .

(134) POLYPODIUM NOVAE ZEALANDIAE. WAIMARINO.

A Small Specimen. Under Side.

330

New Zealand Ferns

XXIII. NOTHOCLAENA

NOTHOCLAENA (nothos, spurious; chlaena.
cloak — imperfect seed covering. A genus of between
30 or 40 species, with 1 in New Zealand. Small,
upright ferns, the under surface of the fronds more or
less scaly or woolly; seeds marginal, partially covered
by a fold of the leaf.

N. DISTANS

(135) N. distans (distant). A small tufted fern,
generally growing on rocky or stony ground exposed to
the full blaze of the sun; the dark-green fronds rigidly
upright and narrow.

Description. — Root short, stout, semi-erect or prostrate,
clothed at the base with rusty- looking scales. Stalks 1 to 4 inches
long, stiff, wiry, erect, dark chestnut-brown, more or less scaly.
Fronds numerous, tufted, 3 to 6 inches long, without the stalks,
by -|in. to 1 inch broad, erect, rigid, dark-green, firm in texture,
slightly hairy above, densely so below. Seeds forming a continu-
ous line round the margins of the leaflets.

North Island: Rocky places from Whangaroa and the Bay of
Islands to Cook Strait; local. South Island: Near Nelson, Banks
Peninsula and other localities in Canterbury. Sea-level to 2,500
feet.

Nothoclaena

331

SIZE, 9in. x 5in.

(135) NOTHOCLAENA DISTANS. PENROSE.

A Large Specimen. Under and Upper Side.

332

New Zealand Ferns

Called by Mr. T. H. Potts the “Woolly Cloak Fern.”
Though similar in some respects to Cheilanthes Sicberi,
and growing in exactly the same local il ties, it may be
distinguished by the darker-green and the more blunted
outline of the fronds, the general hairiness of the under
side, and the woolly appearance of the young crooks.
Its favourite situation on scoria rocks is a depression
where some mould has collected. If the plant and soil
he removed bodily and placed in a similar position in
the fernery, it will continue to flourish without a check,
sending up numerous crooks like tufts of white cotton ;
hut it makes little or no growth in the coldest winter
months, and suffers somewhat from frost.

Found also in Australia, Norfolk Island, and New
Caledonia.

I had an unusually luxuriant specimen of this little
plant growing on the rocks in my fernery. The old,
frost-bitten fronds having turned an unsightly brown,
I cut them off before the spring growth appeared. When
week followed week, and spring was succeeded by sum-
mer, with no young crooks showing, I feared the plant
was dead, for it is a quick-growing fern. Occasionally
T had seen the woolly green head of a young crook push-
ing through the soil, but it never came to anything.

Thinking that my cutting away of the old fronds
might have given the slugs access to the tender young
shoots, I protected the plant with tobacco dust. In less
than a week there were 15 vigorous fronds from 1 to 2
inches high, and now the fern has covered the summit
of the rock with a forest of dark-green fronds.

I had known that slugs ate down the tender crooks of
many ferns, but I was not aware how much protection
was afforded by the old stalks.

SIZE, (jin. x ll^in.

Notiioclaena

333

U30aj POLYPODIUM SERPENS. A Medium Specimen. Under and Upper Side. (s« also pace 319) KAIPARA.

334

New Zealand Fekns

XXIV. GYMNOGRAMME

GYMNOGRAMME (gymnos, naked; gramma,
a line — referring to the seeds). A genus of over ioo
species, with 2 very small ones in New Zealand. Seeds
scattered along the veins without any covering.

G. LEPTOPHYLLA

( 136) G. rutaefolia (rue-leaved). A small fern, cov-
ered all over with woolly hairs, growing in crevices on
exposed cliffs.

Description.— Root short, thick, erect or ascending, clothed
with blackish-brown scales. Stalks ^in. to 1 inch long, everywhere
densely woolly. Fronds 1 to 3 inches long by about -gin. broad,
firm in texture, dull-green, both surfaces densely clothed with
woolly hairs. Seeds oblong, occupying most of the veins on the
under surface.

North Island: Hawke’s Bay — Petane, Kuripapanga; Welling-
ton— cliffs in Cook Strait, Cape Terawhiti. South Island: Marl-
borough— D’Urville Island, Brothers Island; Canterbury — Banks
Peninsula, Upper Ashburton, Upper Rangitata. Southern Alps,
Otago, Blacks. Sea-level to 3,500 feet.

A rare fern, though widely distributed in Australia
and Tasmania.

NATURAL SIZE.

Gym NOGRAM ME

335

(136) GYMNOGRAMME RUTAEFOLIA. A Large Specimen. Under Side. CROMWELL.

336

New Zealand Ferns

(137) G. leptophylla (slender-leaved). A tiny little
fern, an annual, yet a world-wide plant. What with its
small size and restricted season, it is very easily over-
looked.

Description. — Roots fibrous. Stalks -gin. to 3 inches long,
slender, brittle, smooth and glossy, bright chestnut-brown. Fronds
1 to 3 inches long by fin. to 1 inch broad, pale-green, shining,
thin and membranous, quite smooth. Seeds oblong, upon the veins.

North Island : Volcanic hills about Auckland, once not uncom-
mon. now rare; Mount Maunganui, near Tauranga; East Coast
district ; Ftawke’s Bay — Scinde Island ; Ruahine Ranges ; Wel-
lington— Miramar. South Island : Canterbury — Lyttelton Har-
bour, abundant ; Otago — near Dunedin ; Upper Clutha. Sea-level
to 1,500 feet.

I remember gathering this dainty little fern on Mount
Smart (Rarotonga) near Auckland — then a shapely
hill, now an ugly ruin, thanks to our Philistine Govern-
ments. This fern is becoming scarcer each year, prob-
ably eaten dow n by cattle and sheep.

The fronds begin to sprout about February, last
through the winter, perfect the seeds in spring, and die
in summer. It is not difficult to cultivate, and sows itself
annually. Found also in Europe, North and South
Africa, Persia, India, Australia, and South America.

Gym nogram me

337

NATURAL SIZE.

(137) GYMNOGRAMME LEPTOPHYLLA.

A Large Specimen. Under Side.

MOUNT SMART.

338

New Zealand Ferns

XXV. GLEICHENIA

GLEICHENIA (to honour Baron P. von Glei-
chen, a German botanist). A genus of about 26 species,
with 5 species and 2 varieties in New Zealand. Medium-
sized straggling ferns; fronds branching in pairs with
a terminal bud in the fork, often spreading in horizontal
tiers. Seeds scattered over the under surface in sym-
metrical groups, without any covering.

G. FLABELLATA

( 138) G. circinata (coiled into a ring). “Wae-wae-
kaka.” Not much like the popular conception of a fern
— wiry, scrambling, the branches so zigzagged and in-
terlaced that it is not easy to determine the shape of the
frond.

Description. — Very variable in size and mode of growth,
sometimes stiff, erect, 1 to 3 feet high; sometimes weak and
scrambling among other vegetation, attaining a height of 4 to 6
feet. Root long, slender, wiry, often much branched, more or
less clothed with red-brown scales. Stalks smooth or scaly, of a
rich red-brown, slender, cylindrical. Fronds usually forking in
pairs ; branches zigzag, spreading, often interlaced, light-green
above, pale beneath. The upper surface often convex. Mid-
ribs generally clothed with rusty-red hairs. Ultimate leaflets
about the size of a small pin’s head. Seeds like grains of
brown sand, in symmetrical groups of three, four, or five.

From the North Cape southwards to Cook Strait, plentiful.
Rare and local in the South Island. Sea-level to 2,000 feet.

Gleichenia

339

SIZE, 12in. x 9in.

(138) GLEICHENIA CIRCINATA. AUCKLAND.

A Medium Specimen. Upper Side.

340

New Zealand Ferns

This species seems to prefer poor clay soil in open
land, or among light scrub, never growing in the deep
shade of the forest. It is sometimes found among light
scrub in dense interlaced masses of a bright shining
green, the topmost branches straggling among the ma-

nuka with sprays of delicate green tracery, presenting
to the eye one of those unstudied groupings of plants
arranged by Nature with apparent carelessness, but with
a consummate skill man may never hope to attain.

Mr. Thomson and Mr. Field are not agreed about
the cultivation; my experience has been most encourag-
ing. It is a wide-spread species south of the Equator.

(139) G. dicar pa (two-fruited). Like G. c ire in at a,
but smaller, i to 2 feet high. The margins of the leaf-
lets curved over, giving the under side the appearance of
open pouches, each containing two little round seeds.

Description. — Root slender, wiry, usually clothed with chaffy
scales. Stalks smooth, slender, a rich red-brown. Fronds several
times forking into pairs, branches spreading horizontally, often
interlaced, the upper surface sometimes flat or even concave,
dull-green above, often white beneath, harsh to the touch. Seeds
small, round, two in each pocket-like cavity of the under leaf,
sometimes quite concealed by woolly hairs.

SIZE, 8in. x 13in.

Gleiciienia

341

(139) GLEICHENIA DTCARPA. A Medium Specimen. Upper Side. HENDERSON.

342

New Zealand Ferns

Abundant in swampy places throughout the Dominion. Sea-
level to 2,000 feet.

The ultimate segments in this species are even smaller
than in G. circinata; their globular form giving them the
appearance of a string of minute green beads. It is found
also in Eastern Australia, New Caledonia, and Malaya.

(140) Var. hecistophylla (the leaf with baskets).
Usually i to 3 feet high. The angle at which the fronds
fork is wider, in the average, than in either G. circinata
or G. dicar pa. Fronds spreading horizontally, green to
dark-green above, sea-green to white beneath. Stalks
and midribs densely woolly and scaly. Much the same
habitat as G. dicarpa.

Gleichenia

343

SIZE, 13jin. x lllin.

(110) GLEICHENIA DICARPA, VAR. HECISTOPHYLLA.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

WAITE MATA.

344

New Zealand Ferns

(141) f ar. alpina ( alpine). Smaller and more com-
pactly tufted ; 2 to 12 inches high ; midribs, young shoots,
and under surface of leaves clothed densely with rusty-
coloured scales and wool. Fronds much smaller and
more sparingly divided.

Mountainous localities from Cape Colville and Roto-
rua southwards, ascending to 4,000 feet. Also in Tas-
mania.

The distinguishing features of the preceding Glci-
chenias are not easily described — circinata, dicarpa,
liccistophylla — especially the last two. Circinata , when
growing in the shade of light scrub near Auckland, is a
very distinct plant, the leaflets open — five, six or seven
to the inch — shining green above, light green and quite
flat beneath. Hccistophylla from a similar station is
somewhat smaller, the stalks and midribs more woolly
and scaly, the leaflets closer — eight to ten per inch —
straighter, dull green above, whitish and concave be-
neath, but often flat when growing in the shade. When
growing in the direct sunlight it is usually from 6
inches to 2 feet high, closely matted together, the under-
side of the segments as much curved over as in dicarpa ,
but never so much as to hide the seeds — two to a pocket.
Dicarpa is very similar to hccistophylla, but longer
in the leaflets, which are spaced eight to ten per
inch. The bead-like appearance of the segments when
viewed from above give the leaves a slightly glistening
appearance. The stalks and midribs are less woolly
and scaly, the angles of divergence a little more acute.

Gleichenia

345

SIZE, 7lin. x 6l-in.

(141) GLEICHENIA DICARPA, VAR. ALPINA. WAIMARINO.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

346

New Zealand Ferns

(142) G.Cumiinghamii (Mr. Cunningham). “Tapu-
wae-kotuku,” "Umbrella Fern.” Not unlike the two pre-
ceding species in manner of growth, but the leaves are
much wider, closer, and more umbrageous; dark-green,
spreading out from a centre not unlike a star-fish.

Description. — Usually from 1 to 3 feet high, but taller plants
are sometimes seen. Root long, branched, creeping, stout and
woody, clothed with red-brown scales. Stalks stout, erect, grooved
down one side, densely clothed with scales when young, smooth
when old. Fronds several times divided in pairs, spreading in
a horizontal plane and forming an umbrella-like top ; in large
specimens sprouting from the centre, so that there are two to
four tiers of superimposed branches, dark-green and smooth
above, sea-green and hairy below. Seeds copious.

From North Cape to Cook Strait, abundant. South Island,
local. Sea-level to 4,000 feet.

A very handsome and distinct species. Often, when
growing near the edge of the bush, it has an odd habit
of slanting rakishly to one side. It is very plentiful be-
tween Tokaanu and Waimarino, especially near Otukou
Pa. A most difficult fern to cultivate, which is a pity,
for it has a most attractive appearance. The descrip-
tion Mr. Field gives of his failures is almost pathetic.
My attempts have been equally unsuccessful. There was
never — not for one single moment — any doubt about its
dying; within a few hours of being planted the leaves
shrivelled; in three days they were quite black. Found
only in New Zealand.

Gleichenia

347

SIZE, 9in. x lOsin.

(1421 GLEICHENIA CUNNINGHAM II. WHAU.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

348

New Zealand Ferns

(143) G. flabellatu (fan-like). A very beautiful fern
with leaves spreading fan-wise. Found only to the north
of Auckland; easily recognised by the long narrow divi-
sions, like the teeth of a comb.

Description. — Root long, stout, branched, more or less clothed
with reddish scales. Stalks erect, cylindrical, hard and smooth.
Fronds several times forked in pairs, branches slanting upwards,
not horizontal, sometimes superimposed in tiers, from 1 to 4 feet
high, dark shining-green. Seeds copious, in groups, usually three
to five.

From the North Cape to the Bay of Islands, not uncommon
by the sides of streams, etc. Southwards to the Thames 'and
Manukau Harbour, rare and local. Great Barrier, Coromandel
Peninsula.

Mr. Thomson reports this very beautiful species as
easily cultivated, requiring black sandy loam, good drain-
age, plenty of pot room, and an abundance of water.
“In Kew Gardens a plant of this species has attained a
circumference of 12 to 13 feet, with fronds 4^ feet
high.” Mr. Field describes it as difficult to grow; my ex-
perience is the opposite. In the outdoor fernery it has
grown luxuriantly, as may be seen in the illustration on
the paper wrapper. A potted plant, growing in the house
flourished for a time and then died. A frond from this
plant is reproduced in the illustration.

The growth is interesting. A slender stalk rises per-
pendicularly with a grey-green crook at the top, which
presently separates into two, and these again divide,
thus looking like a bird’s inverted foot with four claws.
The young fronds are very thin, with a shining surface
like satin. The plant usually grows on alluvial soil by
the sides of streams, sometimes in the open fully exposed
to sun and wind. I have also found it high up on a
steep hillside, growing in poor white clay. It is found
also in Australia, Tasmania, and New Caledonia.

Gleichenia

349

SIZE, Slin. x lOin.

(113) GLEICHENIA FLABELLATA.

A Small Specimen. Upper Side.

WHANGAREI

350

New Zealand Ferns

(144) G. dichotoma (forked). Most easily recog-
nised by the small wing'-leaves at the forks. Found
growing only in the heated soil of the thermal springs
district.

Description. — Usually from 2 to 4 feet high, sometimes
dwarfed to a few inches, and occasionally reaching 6 feet. Root
long, slender, clothed with reddish-brown scales. Stalks slender,
smooth, and polished. Fronds repeatedly forked, pale-green above,
sea-green below. Seeds small, uncovered.

On heated soil near hot springs, Otumakokori, Orakeikorako,
Karapiti, Wairakei, Matata. Sea-level to 1,600 feet.

It is a curious fact that this common tropical species
should be found only in the heated soil of the hot springs
district — N eplirolepis cordifolia is in exactly the same
position. It is probable that the minute seed grains of
these ferns have been wafted on the winds from some
tropical or semi-tropical country and deposited all over
New Zealand. Meeting with the warmth necessary for
germination on the hot ground adjacent to the thermal
springs, they have grown only in those localities.

Gleichenxa

351

SIZE. llin. x loin.

<144) GLEICHENIA DICHOTOMA. ROTO MAII AN A

A Large Specimen. Under Side.

352

New Zealand Ferns

XXVI. SCHIZAEA

SCHIZAEA (schizo, to divide — the split frond).
A genus of about 18 species, with 3 species and 1 va-
riety in New Zealand. Small, grass-like plants, the seeds
clustered together in a tuft terminating the frond.

S. BIFIDA

(145) S.fistulosa (hollow like a rush). More like a
very slender reed than a fern; it has no leaves whatever,
merely a thin stalk topped by a bunch of seeds.

Description. — Root short, thick, creeping. Fronds rigid, very
erect, clothed with chestnut-brown scales, numerous towards the
end of the root, not distinct from the stalk, dark-brown below,
greenish-brown above, 4 to 12 inches long by l-40th inch broad,
thread-like. Seed tufts terminating the frond, gin. to 1 inch long
by gin. to gin. broad. Seeds in two closely-placed rows, covering
the whole under surface.

Not uncommon in barren clay soils throughout the North
Island; apparently rare and local south of Cook Strait. Sea-level
to 4,000 feet.

This is so unlike a fern, such a small, insignificant,
abnormal-looking plant, that it is apt to be overlooked.
I have found it growing in short manuka on wet hungry
land. It is found also in Australia, Tasmania, New
Caledonia, Madagascar, Chili, and the Falkland Islands.

SCHIZAEA

353

SIZE, 12in. x Siin.

(145) SCHIZAEA FISTULOSA.

A Large Specimen. Mature and Young Fronds.

WHAU.

354

New Zealand Ferns

(146) Far. Australis (southern). Smaller, i to 3
inches high, root stouter in proportion to the whole
plant. Seed tuft iin. to -jin. long, with only six to eight
pairs of leaflets; found in cold peaty localities in moun-
tain districts south of Cape Colville, descending to sea-
level in Stewart Island and Auckland Islands.

ScniZAEA

355

NATURAL SIZE.

(116) SCHIZAEA FISTULOSA, VAR. AUSTRALIS. TONGARIRO.

A Medium Specimen. Tuft of Fronds.

356

New Zealand Ferns

(147) S. bifida (two-lobed). A quaint-looking little
plant, usually forked, sometimes twice ; the tuft of seeds
shorter and broader than in 6'. fistulosa.

Description. — Root very short, stout, creeping. Fronds close
together along the root, not distinct from the stalks, 6 to 12 inches
high or more, about 1 -30th inch diameter, rigid, erect, wiry, more
or less rough, usually forked at or below the middle, rarely un-
divided, the branches sometimes forked a second time. Seed tufts
Jin. to fin. long by Jin to Jin. broad.

North Island : On sterile clay or pumice soils from the North
Cape to Cook Strait, but often local. South Island: Takaka and
Paramahoi, Nelson. Sea-level to 2,000 feet.

Unbranched specimens are best distinguished from S.
fistulosa by the rough feel of the stalks and the broader
seed tuft. It is found also in Australia and Tasmania.

SCHIZAEA

357

SIZE, lOlin. x 4^in.

(147) SCHIZAEA II I FI DA.

A Large Specimen. Fertile and Barren Fronds.

WHAU.

358

New Zealand Ferns

( 148) S. dichotoma (divided). Though nearly as
unlike a fern as the other species, this is a pretty fan-
shaped little plant. So far reported only from the North
Island.

Description. — Root short, stout, creeping. Fronds few or
many, close together, 6 to 14 inches long, erect, rigid, wiry. Lower
portion not distinct from the stalk, upper portion repeatedly
forked, forming a fan-like leaf, 2 to 4 inches or more across.
Seeds tufted, ^in. to ’jin. long, in two closely-placed rows.

North Island: In kauri forests from Kaitaia and Mangonui
southwards to Tairua and the Lower Waikato River ; rare.
Growing in heated soil near the hot springs at Orakeikorako,
Upper Waikato. Sea-level to 1,500 feet.

Once only did I gather this quaint little fern in New
Zealand, although I have looked for it hundreds of
times. When making a path through the bush at Wha-
ngarei my daughter spied the little fronds growing about
the roots of a kauri tree. A wide-spread tropical and
sub-tropical species.

Sciiizaea

359

SIZE, 8in. x 5in.

(148) SCHIZAEA DICHOTOMA.

A Medium Specimen.

WHANGAREI.

Fertile Fronds.

360

New Zealand Ferns

XXVII. LYGODIUM

LYGODIUM (lygodon, flexible). A genus of
about 20 species, with i in New Zealand. Climbing
ferns with stems that twine. A very distinct species,
usually tropical.

(149) L. articulatum (jointed). “Mange-mange.”
The climbing fern proper of New Zealand, ascending
bushes and trees by means of a long twining stem — not
by roots. Impossible to confound with any other.

Description. — Root slender, creeping, clothed with glossy
brown scales. Stalks very numerous, long, slender, climbing,
reaching the tops of tall forest trees, branched, wiry, often inter-
twined and forming impenetrable screens. Leaves 2 to 4 inches
long by bn. to \m. broad, thin and tough, bright-green, often
sea-green below. Seeds in branching clusters, usually at some
height above the ground.

Abundant in woods from North Cape to the Bay of Plenty
and Kawhia. Sea-level to 2,500 feet.

It was a most interesting study to watch the growth
of this lovely fern. A slender stalk of a pale vernal green
rose from the ground to the height of a few inches and

Lyc.odium

361

SIZE, 9ijin. x 9|in.

(149) LYGODIUM ARTICU LATUM. WAITAKERE.

A Medium Specimen. Barren and Fertile Fronds.

362

New Zealand Ferns

in a perfect frond, divided four times; thus there were
sixteen small stalks separated into four groups, one in
each group dividing again and bringing the total up to
twenty, each little stalk ending in a rudimentary leaf.
These were nearly round, small green discs, about ^-in.
in diameter, spread out at right angles to the main stalk.
So far the growth had been by unrolling; then the
method changed, the leaves expanding gradually until
mature, when they measured about 2in by ^in.

Not until the second year did the climbing stem ap-
pear, twining round the first available support from
right to left, mounting upwards, sending forth fronds
at intervals of a few inches. These differ considerably
from those which spring from the ground, being shorter
and wider, and dividing only three times, a perfect frond
consisting of eight leaves — the usual form.

At certain points where the leaves issue from the
climbing stem a secondary stalk springs forth and climbs
upward, twining round the parent stem or any support
that it can reach. A ground frond with twenty leaves is
the exception, not the rule — they usually have fewer.

The leaves themselves are sometimes forked, which
adds yet another diversity.

When the stem has climbed to some height the fertile
fronds appear, branching several times and forming
pretty clusters of brown seeds. As the plant matures
the stalks turn a light brown, become hard and wiry like
grape stalks, and exceedingly tough — a fact which is
brought forcibly to one’s notice in the hush when trying
to break through their entangling tendrils.

Formerly the Maoris twisted the tough stalks into
ropes for securing the thatch to the roofs of their huts.

The fact of the stems being nearly of the same thick-
ness throughout, made them very suitable for the weav-
ing of eel baskets. The more luxurious European some-
times uses them for mattresses.

Found only in New Zealand.

SIZE, loin, x 14in.

Lygodium

363

<.149a) LYGODIUM ARTICULATUM. Ground and Climbing Fronds. Left hand a well-grown Ground Frond; centre a very
young Ground Frond with 20 leaves; light a pair of Climbing Fronds. AUCKLAND.

364

New Zealand Ferns

XXVIII. TODEA

TODEA (to honour Henry Julius Tode, of
Mecklenburg, a well-known student of fungi). A genus
of 5 or 6 species, with 3 in New Zealand. Large to
medium-sized ferns; the seeds scattered over the under
surface like grains of sand.

(150) T. barbara (foreign). A large, handsome
dark-green fern. The seeds covering the whole under
surface of the lowest leaflets at the base of the frond
only. Found in the far north of the Auckland Province.

Description. — Root stout, erect, sometimes forming a trunk
4 feet high and 2 feet in diameter. Stalks 1 to 2 feet long or
more, stout, erect, quite smooth. Fronds 2 to 4 feet long by 9 to
12 inches broad, dark-green, tough and firm in texture, quite
smooth. Seeds towards the base of the frond, usually occupying
the whole of the under surface, the remainder of the frond barren.

From the North Cape to Mangonui, abundant in open gullies;
southwards to W hangaroa, more sparingly.

Easily cultivated in the Auckland district ; its large,
shining, upright fronds make it a very attractive species.
Also in Australia, Tasmania, and South Africa. In Aus-
tralia the massive trunk sometimes weighs ij tons.

Todea

365

SIZE, 12in. x 4lin.

(150) TODEA BARBARA.

A Small Specimen. Under Side.

WHANGAROA.

366

New Zealand Ferns

(151) T. hymenophylloides (filmy-like). “Heru-
heru.” A very beautiful, dark-green, crape-like fern;
usually growing in the deepest recesses of the forest.

Description. — Root stout, erect, often produced into a thick
stem. Stalks 6 to 12 inches long, slender, wiry, erect, brownish-
green. Fronds forming a crown, 1 to 2 feet long by 6 to 12 inches
broad, very thin and membranous, pellucid, dark-green. Seeds on
the middle of the leaflets, usually confined to the lower half.

Not uncommon in forest districts throughout the Dominion.
Sea-level to 3,000 feet.

A soft feathery fern, leaves very finely cut and nearly
transparent. Not difficult to cultivate if transplanted
young, provided with good shade, and protected from
the wind. A form with the leaves closer and the lower
ones reduced in size, is often distinguished as Var. inter-
media by fern collectors. Found only in New Zealand.

Todea

367

SIZE, 14in. x 7in.

(151) TODEA HYMENOPHYLLOIDES. HUNUA.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

368

New Zealand Ferns

(152) T. superba (superb). “Heru-heru.” The most
beautiful fern in New Zealand; sometimes called “Prince
of Wales Feathers,” or “Crape Fern”; tall, handsome,
dark-green plumes ; the tiny leaflets standing up from
the surface of the frond like pile.

Description. — Roots stout, forming a thick erect stem 1 to 3
feet high, coated with densely matted fibrous rootlets. Stalks
short, 1 to 4 inches long, stout, erect, more or less woolly. Fronds
1-2 to 4 feet long by 6 to 10 inches broad, narrowed very gradu-
ally to the base, dark-green, thin, membranous and pellucid, form-
ing a handsome spreading crown. Seeds in the middle of the
leaflets, usually confined to the lower half.

In dense forests from Te Aroha and Pirongia southwards, not
uncommon, except in Marlborough, Canterbury and the north of
Otago, where it is rare and local. Sea-level to 3,500 feet.

Neither of the popular names does justice to this mag-
nificent fern. To compare it with crape is not a great
compliment ; no loom invented by man ever wove a fabric
of such marvellous texture; nor can any feathers worn
by a Prince of Wales compare with its exquisite crown
of great sweeping plumes, the younger ones, of a trans-
lucent shining green, rising majestically in the centre.

Though connected by intermediate varieties with T.
hyinenopliylloides, the typical forms of either species
are not easily confused with each other. The larger,
but narrower, frond, the gradual tapering towards the
base, and the closer, thicker appearance of the whole
leaf, at once distinguish T. superba. The singularly soft,
fluffy, feathery appearance of the frond is due to the
crowded leaflets standing up like velvet pile.

All growers agree in the opinion that it is a difficult
fern to transplant. The slightest breath of dry air
shrivels the tender foliage like a blast of fire. As might
be expected in a plant that has attained such perfection
in form and colour, the least change of environment is
fatal. Take away the umbrageous trees that screen it
from sun and wind, the bushes and creepers that inter-
cept any stray puffs while yet allowing the moisture-

Todea

369

SIZE, 21in. x 6jin.

052) TODEA SUPERBA. MANGAPEHI.

A Medium Specimen. Under Side.

370

New Zealand Ferns

laden atmosphere to refresh the great feathery fronds,
and it is doomed.

The above description will prepare the reader for my
difficulties in getting a leaf for photographing. Some
plants were sent me from Mamaku, on the Rotorua
railway. The day was moist and drizzling, which en-
sured their arriving in good order. The best leaf was
photographed, but alas ! it was not a perfect specimen,
having suffered on the journey.

Realising more fully the obstacles that had to be over-
come, I thought out a plan. To begin with, I spent many
hours in making a flat, air-tight box, with cunning con-
trivances in the corners to hold damp moss, and a solid
lid that screwed on tight, the whole being wrapped in
waterproof paper. This was sent to my daughter in the
King Country, where the fern grows in abundance, with
the most elaborate instructions — the specimens were to
be perfect, about 20 inches long, the stalks wrapped in
a wet rag, nailed through the midrib, one frond to the
bottom and one to the lid, and the space between packed
with light moss, etc., etc. As the express did not stop at
her station, it was to be forwarded by the goods train
to Te Ivuiti, catch the express at 3 a.m., and arrive in
Auckland before 7.

W hen I heard from my daughter that the fern would
be forwarded on Friday evening I hunted up the powers
that be in Auckland, to make sure that there should be
no hitch. I calculated, if everything went well, that the
fern would be in the hands of the photographer — Mr.
Birch — 15 hours after it had been gathered, and I hoped
that the air-tight box would preserve it for that length
of time. However, the friend upon whose judgment I
placed most reliance predicted that the fronds would be
shrivelled and worthless within an hour of their being
gathered ; my only chance was to get a well-rooted plant
packed in a large case, the top protected with bagging.

Meanwhile, my daughter and her henchman set out
at 2 p.m. on horseback, the precious box slung in a sack

Todea

371

over his back. After four miles up and down gullies lit-
tered with logs, they came to a terrific spur, where the
horses’ heads seemed to overhang a precipice on one side
and their tails a sheer drop on the other, and eventually
got down to a small piece of bush, very damp and
swampy, where they searched for an hour and a half for
a good specimen. The old growth had been battered and
bruised by winter storms, and the young was not mature.
At length a plant was found in a sheltered nook with
perfect fronds. The box was opened, the moss gathered,
the rag damped all ready, and then the fronds were cut,
nailed into place, and the lid screwed on.

To cpiote my daughter’s letter: — “The wind was so
cold and cutting that the fronds were inclined to shrivel
before we cut them, I expect they will arrive a withered
up mass. We got home with it at 6 p.m., and went
straight down to the train, which was late, and a good
deal later by the time the guard had finished being an
idiot (he refused to give the box to the stationmaster at
Te Ivuiti, as had been arranged). We found a very im-
patient family waiting for dinner when we got back at

7-30-”

In Auckland I had been studying the weather — it had
been a wet week — for I knew that much rain would
render the bush tracks impassable for horses. On look-
ing at the paper for the weather report on Friday even-
ing I was dismayed to see that there had been landslips
on the Main Trunk railway. In answer to my inquiries
at the station, I was informed that the train would be
twelve hours late! thus defeating all my plans for con-
fining the railway journey to the cool hours of the night.

If everything had gone without a hitch there was just
a chance of success ; now that chance was gone. I was
very much disappointed. For the last ninety-nine days
the express had come through to time, and now, on the
hundredth, the day that was to see the consummation of
all my carefully-laid plans, it failed.

372

New Zealand Ferns

Passing the railway station at a little after five on
Saturday evening I asked at the parcel office when the
express would arrive.

“Not for an hour or two/’ said the porter, civilly.

I began to bewail my hard luck, to tell him how I had
enlisted the aid of my friends in the Traffic Department
to get a box of botanical specimens through from the
King Country before they had time to wither.

“That’s a funny thing, sir,” he said with sudden in-
terest. “All the big bugs have been kicking up a dust
about a box of ferns that came in by the goods half an
hour ago.”

“I wonder if that can be my parcel?”

“What might be your name, sir?”

“Dobbie.”

“That’s it, right enough,” he said, disappearing into
a dark corner of his office, and reappearing with the
precious box.

In five minutes I was in the tramcar with the case on
my knee ; it looked like a commonplace brown-paper
parcel from the back; there was nothing to indicate the
treasures within, or to show that it had made two long
journeys by train, and had been carried over breakneck
spurs on horseback. On the front it bore many caution-
ary instructions, including “VERY URGINT” in blue
chalk.

By this time my expectations were down to zero.
What chance had a delicate fern of surviving a twenty-
two hours’ journey on a jolting, clattering goods train,
stopping at every station and shunting violently in and
out of sidings?

I would not open it at home, or allow even a corner of
the paper to be lifted until I got it to Mr. Birch and he
had all his apparatus ready. The string was then untied,
the waterproof paper removed, the lid unscrewed. It
was a dramatic moment. I looked round impressively
before uncovering the ruin, as I thought, of Nature’s
masterpiece.

Todea

373

It was then the miracle happened. The beautiful
green plume was as fresh as if it had just been gathered,
not a withered or bruised leaflet ; it was one of the pleas-
antest surprises I ever experienced. Mr. Birch lost no
time in taking the photographs.

Thus were our efforts, threatened with failure, first
by an inconsiderate landslip and then by the obstinacy
of an intractable guard, crowned with success.

It is a difficult fern to transplant. Young plants may
be coaxed to grow if kept in a still, moist atmosphere
under good shade, but the surest plan is to grow from
seed in a Wardian case.

Such is the fame of this splendid fern, the apprecia-
tion in which it is held, that it is often found in the fern-
eries of Europe. Imagine my astonishment on entering
a private house in Carlisle, Cumberland, to behold fine
specimens of this fern growing in a Wardian case in the
hall.

It is confined to New Zealand.

374

New Zealand Ferns

XXIX. MARATTIA

MARATTIA (to honour J. M. Maratti, of Tus-
cany, who wrote on ferns). A genus of 8 or io species,
with i in New Zealand. One of the largest ferns that
grows without a trunk. Seeds in little oval, hoat-shaped
vessels cleft down the middle, in a single row close to the
margins of the leaflets.

(153) M.fraxinea (like an ash leaf). “Para,” “King
Fern,” “Horseshoe Fern.” The largest herbaceous fern
in New Zealand; plentiful in the early days, now becom-
ing scarce. The broad, glossy, dark-green fronds, and
the' little boat-shaped seed vessels are unmistakable.

Description. — Root a large, irregularly-shaped tuberous mass.
Stalks stout, 1 to 2 feet long or more, brownish-green, jointed at
the base. Fronds large, 6 to 12 feet long by 2 to 5 feet broad,
dark-green, firm and stiff in texture. Seeds oblong, brownish, in
a single row on the veins just within the margins of the leaflets.

North Island: Lowland forests from Mangonui southwards to
Cape Egmont and Waitotara, not common; usually in rich damp
soils. Sea-level to 1,000 feet.

The large starchy root was formerly eaten by the
Maoris, who occasionally cultivated the plant near their

Marattia

375

SIZE, 12in. x Tin.

(153) MARATTIA FRAXINEA.

A Small Specimen. Under Side.

TUAKAU.

376

New Zealand Ferns

villages. I have often seen it crested at the tips of the
fronds. Wild pigs are said to have nearly exterminated
it, and the existence of the few surviving plants is
threatened by horses and cattle, who browse upon the
succulent leaves, and that enemy whom nothing daunts
— the fern collector!

It is easily grown, but will not bear frost. A great
favourite for indoor cultivation. The broad, handsome
fronds look as well in a hall, and give as tropical an
aspect, as do young palm trees. In Auckland they grow
so fast that, after three or four years, they become too
large for the house, and have to be taken outside. They
may be propagated by sets cut from the tuberous roots,
as one treats potatoes. I knew a gentleman who took an
especial pride in his para ; on my last visit he showed me
into his large drawing-room. The fern monopolised
more than half the apartment ; he had to make shift with
what was left.

The species, though large in New Zealand, is almost
gigantic in the tropics. I have seen them filling a gully
in the jungle with radiating fronds from 20 to 30 feet
long by 15 feet broad, a picture of tropical luxuriance
I never saw surpassed. It is a wide-spread tropical and
semi-tropical plant.

377

SIZE, liiin. x 4jin.

A FORTNIGHT-OLD CROOK (UPPER PORTION) OF A YOUNG TREE-FERN. C. MEDULLARIS.

{See also fane 88)

378

New Zealand Ferns

XXX. OPHIOGLOSSUM

OPHIOGLOSSUM (ophios, of a serpent; giossa,
a tongue). A genus of 8 to io species, with 2 in New
Zealand; small succulent plants, the seeds carried on
a projecting spike.

(154) O.lusitanicum (Portuguese). “Narrow-leaved
Adder's Tongue.” A small, insignificant-looking plant;
easily missed by the casual collector ; usually growing in
grass.

Description. — Root cylindrical, semi-erect, slightly tuberous.
Fronds, one to three from a root, pn. to 5 inches long, including
the stalk and fertile spike. The barren leaf usually placed below
the middle, pn. to 2 inches long by pn. to pn. broad, of a full
green, texture firm and fleshy.

Kermadec Islands, North and South Islands, not uncommon
throughout, ascending to 3,500 feet.

Personally I have failed to find it, though it is 50
years since I began to collect ferns. A very wide-spread
plant.

Ophioglossum

379

NATURAL, SIZE.

(154) OPHIOGLOSSLTM LUSITANICUM. WHANGAREI.

Medium Specimens. Barren and Fertile Fronds.

380

New Zealand Ferns

(155 ) O.Vulgatum (common). “Adder's Tongue.”
Somewhat like O. lusitanicum, but rather larger; easily
overlooked among the grass and bushes. Once only did
1 find a specimen — near St. John's Lake, Auckland.

Description. — Root short, cylindrical, often knotty. Fronds,
one to two from a root, 4 to 12 inches long over all. Barren leaf
placed near the middle, fin. to 3 inches long by Jin. to 1J inches
broad, pale-green, very smooth, rather fleshy in texture. Fertile
spike fin. to 1J inches long, on a slender stalk, much longer than
the barren leaf.

From the North Cape to Foveaux Strait, in moist grassy
places by margins of swamps, etc. Sea-level to 2,000 feet.

A cosmopolitan plant, split up into a number of spe-
cies bv many authors.

Ophioglossum

381

(155) OPHIOGLOSSUM VULGATUM. ST. JOHN’S LAKE, AUCKLAND.

A Medium Specimen. Barren and Fertile Fronds.

382

New Zealand Ferns

XXXI. BOTRYCHIUM

BOTRYCHIUM (botrys, bunch — the seeds, like a
bunch of grapes). A genus variously estimated at from
6 to 15 species, with 2 species and 1 variety in New
Zealand. The stems are divided, one part supporting
the leaf, the other the seed-spike.

(156) B. lunaria (moonwort). An odd-looking little
plant, not in the least like other ferns; so far recorded
only from Canterbury.

Description. — Roots short, tuberous. Fronds solitary, rarely
two together, 3 to 6 inches high. Stalks stout, with one or two
sheathing scales at the base. Barren leaves about the middle of
the frond, fin. to 3 inches long by An. to 1 inch broad, of a full
green, rather fleshy. Fertile spike as high as or higher than the
barren leaf, An. to 3 inches long.

South Island: South-west slopes of Mount Torlesse, Canter-
bury; altitude 2,700 feet.

There is some doubt as to this fern being a native
of New Zealand. To quote Dr. Cockayne’s “New
Zealand Plants,” page 21 1, second edition: — “In the
latter region (New Zealand) it has been recorded only

Botrychium

383

NATURAL SIZE.

(156) BOTRYCHIUM LUNAR1A. ENGLAND.

A Medium Specimen. Barren and Fertile Fronds.

384

New Zealand Ferns

from one spot — south-western slopes of Mount Tor-
lesse, at 2,700 feet, where it was found many years
ago by J. D. Enys, but has not been rediscovered.”

A wide-spread species, always growing- in the open.

(157) B. ternatum (divided in threes). “Parsley
Fern.” A fern with barren and fertile fronds branching
from one stem, usually growing in shade when it is ten-
der and succulent; the barren frond not unlike an un-
curled parsley leaf.

Description. — Root short, stout. Fronds solitary, 6 to 18
inches long or more. Barren leaf variable in size, usually from
3 to 6 inches broad and long, but large specimens sometimes reach
9 to 13 inches, and small ones are often dwarfed to less than
2 inches, light-green to yellow-green, texture thick and fleshy.
Fertile spike on a slender stalk, 4 to 12 inches long or more,
nearly overtopping the barren leaf.

The ordinary form ranges from the North Cape to South
Otago. Sea-level to 3,500 feet.

Personally I have rarely encountered this species. Mr.
Thomson says: — “If lifted with some of the accom-
panying sod, this fern soon establishes itself in the fer-
nery. It is much more readily shifted about than Ophio-
glossum, and is an extremely hardy plant.”

Some authorities separate it into seven or eight dis-
tinct species, the New Zealand form being placed under
B. australe. Found also in North America, Asia, Aus-
tralia, and Tasmania.

Botrychium

385

SIZE, 13in. x lOin.

(157) BOTRYCHIUM TERNATUM. ORAKEI.

A I.arge and Small Specimen. Barren and Fertile Fronds.

386

New Zealand Ferns

(158) Var. dissectum (much divided). Fronds more
slender; barren leaf much more finely cut and narrowly
divided, looking like moss.

Found throughout the Dominion, but often local — I
never had the luck to find it.

Botrychium

387

SIZE, 13^in. x 9iin.

(158) BOTRYCHIUM TERNATUM, VAR. DISSECTUM. TARANAKI.

A Large Specimen. Barren and Fertile Frond.

388

New Zealand Ferns

Popular Names for Ferns

Page

Adders’ Tongue, Ophioglossum vulgatum 380

Black Tree-fern, Cyathea medullaris 88

Bracken, Pteris aquilina, var. esculenta 162

Buckler Fern, Nephrodium 286-299

Fern, Pteris aquilina, var. esculenta 162

Filmy Ferns, Hymenophyllum 26-63

Filmy Ferns, Trichomanes 64-79

Golden Tree-fern, Alsophila Colensoi 100

Gully Fern, Cyathea Cunninghamii .. 96

Horseshoe Fern, Marattia fraxinea 374

Hound’s Tongue, Polypodium Billardieri 324

Kidney Fern, Trichomanes reniforme 64

King Fern, Marattia fraxinea 374

Lace Fern, Pteris scaberula 166

Lady Fern, Nephrodium thelypteris, var. squamulosum .... 286

Maidenhair, Adiantum aethiopicum 124

Maidenhair Spleenwort, Asplenium trichomanes 226

Narrow Adder’s Tongue, Ophioglossum lusitanicum .... 378

Necklace Fern, Asplenium flabelli folium 222

Parsley Fern, Botrychium flabelli folium 222

Plumed Maidenhair, Adiantum formosum 134

Prickly Shield Fern, Aspidium aculeatum .... 272

Prince of Wales Feathers, Todea superba 368

Scented Fern, Pteris scaberula 166

Shield Fern, Aspidium 272-285

Popular Names for Ferns 389

Silver King, Cyathea dealbata 86

Umbrella Fern, Gleichenia Cunninghamii 346

Velvet Fern, Nephrodium velutinum 292

Woolly Cloak Fern, Nothoclaena distans 330

390

New Zealand Ferns

Maori Names for Ferns

Page

Aruhi, root Pteris aquilina, var. esculenta 164

Heru-heru, Todea hymenophylloides 366

Heru-heru, Todea superba 368

Huru-huru-whenua, Asplenium lucidum 234

Kio-kio, Lomaria Capensis 196

Korau, Cyathea medullaris 88

Makaka, Adiantum aethiopicum 124-126

Mamaku, Cyathea medullaris 88

Mange-mange, Lygodium articulatum 360

Moki-moki, Doodia caudata 220

Para, Marattia fraxinea 374

Piri-piri, Hymenophyllum demissum 40

Piri-piri, Hymenophyllum polyanthos 28

Piu-piu, Lomaria discolor 182

Pohutukawa, Asplenium flaccidum 260

Ponga, Cyathea dealbata 86

Rahu-rahu, Pteris aquilina, var. esculenta 162

Raurenga, Trichomanes reni forme 64

Tapu-wae-kotuku, Gleichenia Cunninghamii 346

Wae-wae-kaka, Gleichenia circinata 338

Wheki, Dicksonia squarrosa 102

Wheki-ponga, Dicksonia fibrosa 104

391

General Index

Page

Aculeatum, Aspidium .... 272
Adder’s Tongue .... .... 380

,, ,, Narrow ... 378

Adiantum, Genus .... 124-139

Adventitious Buds 102

Aethiopicum, Adiantum .... 124

Affine, Adiantum 136

Agrotis Compta, Caterpillar 203

168

Alpina, Lomaria 194

,, Gleichenia var 344

Alsophila, Genus .... .... 100

Anomodum, Asplenium, var. 244
Antarctica, Dicksonia .... 104

Aquilina, Pteris 162

Aristatum, Aspidium .... 284
Armstrongii, Hymenophyl-

lum, var 54

Arrangement of Book .... 13

Articulatum, Lygodium .... 360

Aruhe 164

Aspidium, Genus .... 272-285
Asplenium, Genus .... 222-269
Atrovirens, Hymenophyllum 34
Australe, Hymenophyllum .. 32

,, Polypodium .... 312
Australis, Schizaea, var 354

Badge, N.Z 5, 253

Banksii, Lomaria 192

Barbara, Todea 364

Bifida, Schizaea 356

Billardieri, Polypodium .... 324

Birch, Mr. F. W 14

Bivalve, Hymenophyllum .... 62

Black Tree-fern 88

Bladder Fern 112

Botrychium, Genus .... 382-387
Bracken 162

Page

Branched Tree-fern

.... 102

British Ferns, T. Moore

.... 9

Buckler Fern

....- 286

Buds, Adventitious ....

.... 102

Bulbiferum, Asplenium

.... 250

Capense, Aspidium ....

.... 282

Capensis, Lomaria ....

.... 196

Carse, Mr. H.

17, 174

Caterpillar

19, 168

Caudata, Doodia

.... 220

Caudatum, Asplenium

.... 230

Cheeseman, Mr. T. F.

13, 17

52, 108

Cheesemanii, Hymenophyl-

lum

.... 52

Cheilanthes, Genus ....

152-155

Ciliatum, Hymenophyllum .. 46

Circinata, Gleichenia

.... 338

Classification Ferns

.... 6

Colensoi, Asplenium, var. - 249

,, Alsophila ....

.... 100

,, Trichomanes

.... 74

Comans, Pteris

.... 170

Cordifolia, Nephrolepis

.... 302

Crape Fern

.... 368

Crook Fern

.... 377

Cultivation, Ferns ....

.... 18

Cumberland

.... 16

Cunninghamii, Cyathea

96, 149

,, Gleicheina .. 346

,, Loxsoma ... . 80

,, Polypodium 320

Cupressi forme, Hymeno-
phyllum, var 56

Cyathea, Genus ....86-97, 149

Cystopteris, Genus 112

Cystostegia, Nephrodium .... 280

392

New Zealand Ferns

„ Page

Darwin, Charles .... 7, 8, 9

Davallia, Genus .... 108-111

„ Fosteri 110

,, Solida 108

Dealbata, Cyathea 86

Decompositum, Nephrodium 288
Demissum, Hymenophyllum 40
Diaphanum, Adiantum .... 128

Dicarpa, Gleichenia 340

Dichotoma. Gleichenia .... 350
„ Schizaea .... 358
Dicksonia, Genus 102-107, 159
Dilatatum, Hymenophyllum 38

Discolor, Lomaria 182

Dissectum, Botrychium, var. 386

Distans, Hypolepis 150

„ Nothoclaena .... 330

Distribution Ferns 23

Doodia, Genus .... 214,221

Doody, Mr 13

Dryad, xA New Zealand .... 85
Duncan and Davies .... 17

Dura, Lomaria 190

Elongatum, Trichomanes .... 78

Emblem, National .... 5, 253

Exaltata, Nephrolepis .... 304

Fabre, J. H 15

Fairy Grotto 224

Falcata, Pellaea 156

Falcatum, Asplenium .... 228

Fern, Common 162

Ferns, xAbundance of .... 5

,, Classification .... 6

,, Found New Zealand 24

Fibrosa, Dicksonia 104

Field, Mr. H. C 11

Filiformis, Lomaria .... 204

Filmy Ferns 26, 63

Fistulosa, Schizaea 352

Flabellata, Gleichenia .... 348
Flabellatum, Hymenophyl-
lum 44

Flabellifolium, Asplenium .. 222
Flaccidum, Asplenium 260, 271
Fluviatilis, Lomaria .... 208
Formosum, Adiantum .... 134

Page

Fragilis, Cystopteris .... 112

Fragrant Fern 322

Fraseri, Lomaria 212

Fraxinea, Marattia 374

Frith, Mr. S. G 14

Fronds, Growth of 92

Fulvum, Adiantum 138

Furze 10

Genera, Naming 12

,, Table of 21

Glabellum, Nephrodium .... 290
Gleichenia, Genus .... 338-351

Golden Tree-fern 100

Grammitidis, Polypodium .. 314

Grotto, Fairy 225

Growth, Rate of 92

Gully Fern 96

Gymnogramme, Genus .... 334

Hamiltoni, Polypodium, var. 310

Hanging Gardens 96

Hecistophylla, Gleichenia,

var. 342

Height, Tree-ferns .. 90, 91

Hemitelia, Genus 98

Heru-heru 366, 368

Hispidulum, Adiantum .... 132
Hispidum, Nephrodium .... 296

Hooker, Dr 9, 68, 198

„ Sir W 6

Hookerianum, Asplenium .. 246

Horseshoe Fern 374

Hound’s Tongue 324

Humile, Trichomanes .... 70

Heru-heru-whenua 234

Hymenophylloides, Todea .. 366
Hymenophyllum, Genus 26-63
Hypolepis, Genus .... 140-151

Incisa, Pteris 178

Intermediate Forms .... 7

Japonicum, Asplenium .... 268
Javanicum, Hymenophyllum 32

Kew Gardens 98, 348

Kidney Fern 64

King Fern 374

Index

Page

Kio-kio 196

Koran 88

Lace Fern 166

Lady Fern 286

Lanata, Dicksonia 106

Lanceolata, Lomaria . .... 188

Laxum, Asplenium, var 254

Leptophylla, Gymnogramme 336

Lessoni, Lindsaya, var 120

Limit Tree-ferns 98

Lindsaya, Genus .... 114-123

Linearis, Lindsaya 114

Linnaeus 6

Lomaria, Genus .... 180-213

Loxsoma, Genus .... 80-85

Lucidum, Asplenium .... 234
Lunaria, Botrychium .... 382
Lusitanicum, Ophioglossum 378

Lyalli, Asplenium, var 242

,, Trichomanes .... 68

Macilenta, Pteris 172

Maidenhair 124, 126

,, Spleenwort .... 226

Makaka 124, 126

Maling, Mr 50

Malingii, Hymenophyllum .. 50

Mamaku 88

Mange-mange .... 360

Maori Names 390

Matthews, Mr. H. B 17

Media, Doodia 214

Medullaris, Cyathea .... 88

Membranacea, Lomaria .... 210
Microphylla, Hemitelia .... 98

,, Lindsaya, var. 118
"Milli folium, Hypolepis .... 146

Milnei, Cyathea 94

,, Doodia, var. .... 218
Minimum, Hymenophyllum 54
Minor, Lomaria, var. 200. 202
Mohriodes, Aspidium .... 274

Moki-moki 220

Molle, Nephrodium .... 300

Moro-tiri 8

Multifidum, Hymenophyl-
lum 60

Musk 10

393

Page

Narrow Adder’s Tongue .... 378
National Emblem .... 5, 253

Necklace Fern . 222

Nephrodium, Genus 286-301
Nephrolepis, Genus 302-305

Nigra, Lomaria 206

Nomenclature 11

Norfolkiana, Lomaria .... 186
Nothoclaena, Genus 330-332
Novae Zealandiae, Davallia 110
,, ,, Polypodium 328

Number of Ferns 23

Obliquum, Asplenium,

var. 238

Obtusatum, Asplenium

.... 232

Ophioglossum, Genus

378-381

Origin of Species ....

.... 7

Para

.... 374

Parsley Fern

.... 384

Patersoni, Lomaria ....

.... 180

Pellaea, Genus

156-161

Pendula, Pteris, var.

.... 176

Pennigerum, Polypodium .. 308

Perfumed Fern

.... 166

Petrieana, Hypolepis

.... 144

Petrie, Mr. D.

.... 17

Piri-piri

28. 40

Piu-piu

.... 182

Photographer

14, 15

Plumed Maidenhair

.... 134

Poherua

.... 70

Pohutukawa ....

.... 260

Polyanthos, Hymenophyl-

lum

.... 28

Polymorphum, Adiantum,

var

.... 130

Polypodium, Genus ....

306-329

Ponga

.... 86

Popular Names

.... 389

Potts, T. W

.... 11

Price of Tree-ferns....

.... 93

Prickly Shield Fern

.... 272

Prince of Wales Feathers .. 368

Procera, Lomaria

. 196

Pteris, Genus

162-179

Pulcherrimum, Hymenc

phyllum

.... 36

394

New Zealand Ferns

Punctatum, Polypodium ....
Pumilum, Polypodium
Pustulatum, Polypodium ....

RadclifFe, Mr. F. G

Rahu-rahu

Rangitoto 5, 67,

Rarum, Hymenophyllum ....

Rau-renga

Reni forme, Trichomanes ....
Richardi, Aspidium

,, Aspidium, var

„ Asplenium

Rigidum, Trichomanes
Rotundi folia, Pellaea
Rufescens, Flymenophyllum
Rutaefolia, Gymnogramme

Saxatilis, Pteris, var

Scaberula, Pteris

Scabrum, Pteris

Scented Fern

Schizaea, Genus

352-

Scleroprium, Asplenium,

var.

Seaside Ferns

190,

Seeds

Self-sown Ferns

Serpens, Polypodium

318,

Settigerum, Nephrodium ....
Shaking Brake
Shield Fern

Shuttleworthianum, Asple-
nium, var

Sieberi, Cheilanthes

Silver King

Slugs and Snails .....

Smithii, Hemitelia

Species

,, Table of

Squarrosa, Dicksonia
Strictum, Trichomanes
Subtilissimum, Hymeno-
phyllum

Superba, Todea

Swamp Ferns 286.

Swartz, W 6,

Sylvaticum, Aspidium, var.

Page

Synopsis Filicum 6, 14, 15

Table Genera, etc 21

Tasmani, Davallia 108

Tapu-wae-kotuku .... 346

Tenellum, Polypodium .... 316
Tenui folia, Cheilanthes .... 152
„ Hypolepis .... 140
Ternatum, Botrychium .... 384
Thelypteris, Nephrodium .... 286

Thorny Tree-fern 92

Tode, Herr 12

Todea, Genus 364-373

Transactions Institute .... 14

Tree-ferns, Growth 92

„ Price 93

„ Thorns 92

Tremula, Pteris 168

Trichomanes, Genus 64, 79
,, Asplenium .. 226
Trichomanoides, Lindsaya .. 116
Tripinnatum, Asplenium,

var 256

T unbridgense, Hymenophyl-
lum 54

Umbrella Fern 346

Umbrosum, Asplenium .... 266
Unilaterale, Hymenophyl-
lum, var. 58

Unitum, Nephrodium .... 298

Varieties 9

Velutinum, Nephrodium .... 292

Velvet Fern 292

Venosum, Trichomanes .... 72

Vibrosa, Dicksonia 104

Villosum, Hymenophyllum 30
,, Polypodium, var. 312

Viridis, Lindsaya 122

Vulcanica, Lomaria .... 184

Vulgatum, Ophioglossum .... 380

Wae-wae-kaka 338

Wheki 102

Wheki-ponga .... 104

Woolly Cloak Fern .... 330

Page

306

312

322

162

154

276

278

258

160

334

174

166

-359

240

192

333

294

168

272

264

154

102

368

298

274

PRESS OF

Whitcombe and Tombs Limited
Auckland, n.z.

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