Pteris] I. — FiLiCES. 61 



uppermost pimise simple ; pinnules numerous, lanceolate, deeply 

 pinnatifid or pinnate, ending in a linear, entire, obtuse segment,, 

 lateral segments linear, suddenly decurrent on the rachis, wMcli, 

 together with the surface, is either glabrous or pubescent. Sori 

 continuous. 



Synonym. — P. esculenta, Forst. 



X- Distribution. — The local variety of this fern is confined to, but is. 



pevery where distributed over, the south temperate zone ; the typical 

 form of the species being found over all other parts of the world, 

 t In New Zealand it is the commonest fern to be found, occurring in 

 all parts, including the outlying groups of islands, and ranging from 

 sea-level to 4,000 ft. or more. It still covers thousands of acres of 

 land in both islands, but attains its greatest dimensions in the North 



'Island, where the roasted and pounded rhizomes are still eaten by 

 the Maoris, under the name of Eoi, when better fare is not forth- 

 coming. In the Andes this same species has been seen 14 ft. in 



Though so common that probably few would be inclined to intro- 

 duce this fei'n into cultivation, it is worthy of remark that it is a 

 most difficult species to re-establish if once it has been lifted from the 

 soil ; in this respect resembling species of Lindsmja and Schizcea. 



3. P. scaberula, A. Rich. 



Rhizome wide-creeping, often above ground, stout and more or 

 less hairy and scaly. Stipes 6-12 in. long, strong, reddish-yellow, 

 scabrous. Fronds 12-18 in. high, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, 

 yellowish-green, coriaceous, 2- or 3-pinnate ; lower pinnse 4-9 in. 

 long, lanceolate, pinnules cut into very numerous oblong-toothed 

 segments ^-\ in. long ; rachis often flexuous, scabrous. Sori usually 

 covering the whole segment. 



■^ Distribution. — Confined to New Zealand and Chatham Islands. 



This is a very common and hardy species. According to the 

 "Handbook of the N.Z. Mora" it is stated on the authority of Banks- 

 and Solander to occur generally in woods, but it will most frequently 

 be found in exposed, and frequently very dry situations. It ranges 

 from N. Cape to Stewart Island. 



It is the most easily cultivated of our New Zealand species of 

 Pteris, and when once well established in a suitable spot, is apt to 

 become too rampant. It is not too particular about soil — some of 

 the best specimens I have ever gathered having been obtained on a 

 dry clay bank, quite destitute of mould. 



4. P. maeilenta, A. Cunn. (Pi. II. fig. 7.) 



Stipes 6-18 in. long, rather slender, smooth, shining, pale-coloured,, 

 as are the rachis and costse. Fronds pale-green, membranous and 

 flaccid, 1-5 ft. high, broadly deltoid, 2-4-pinnate ; terminal pinna 

 cut nearly to the rachis into numerous oblong-toothed lobes ; lowest 



