84 i. — FiLiCES. [WepJi/rodiimv 



involucre orbicular-rfeniform, or almost peltate, rery small and 

 deciduous. 



Synonyms.-^'S . propinquum, R. Br.; Aspidium unitum, Sw.; A. 

 gongylodes, Sohkuhr ; A. serra, Schk.; Polypodium unitum, L. 



Distribution. — ^A common tropical fern occurring throughout the- 

 warmer parts of America, Africa, Asia, Australia and Polynesia. 



In this colony it is extremely local and restricted in its range^, 

 being found only in the immediate neighbourhood of the hot springs 

 and lakes of the North Island. It is found in immense profusion 

 on the terraces at Rotomahana, and also at Otumakokori and 

 Waipihi to the south, -whilei it is also said to occur about hot springs 

 near Maketu. Mr. Kirk suggests its probable occurrence in the hot 

 spring district lying to the south of L. Taupo. 



This species requires indoor cultivation, and thrives well in a firnii 

 soil composed of two parts peat, one loam and one sand. 



7. N. moUe, Desv. 



Rhizome short and thick, horizontal. Stipes 1-2 ft. long, rather- 

 slender, green. Fronds tufted, 1-2 ft. long, 8-12 in. broad, lanceo- 

 late, pinnate, rather membranous and flaccid, pubescent on both 

 surfaces ; pinnse spreading, 3-6 in. long, f in. broad, cut about half- 

 way to the midrib into oblong, obtuse, slightly falcate lobes ; veins 

 pinnate, with 6-8 veinlets on each side, the lowest uniting in a 

 veinlet running to the sinus. Sori usually in two rows, distant from 

 the midrib ; capsules naked. 



Synonyms. — Polypodium moUe, Worst.; Aspidium moUe, R. Br.; 

 A. nymphale, Fm'st.; besides a number of other names given to forms 

 of the same variable plant in other parts of the world. 



Distribution. — Common in tropical America and Africa ; also in 

 Southern Asia and Australia. 



It is only known certainly from one locality in New Zealand — 

 viz., on the banks of the Otumakokori or boiling river, at the foot of 

 the Paeora Range in the North Island, and there it occurs sparingly. 

 In the " Handbook PI. N.Z." it is said to be found at Rotomahana,. 

 and has also been recorded from Whangarei by Mr. Robert Mair, but 

 both localities are disputed by Mr. Kirk. 



Like the last, this is essentially a tropical fern, and requires the 

 shelter of a house for its successful growth — at least in most parts of" 

 the South Island. It is an easily cultivated species, and is a familiar 

 plant in English ferneries. 



Genus XXII.— NEPHROLEPIS,* Schott. (PI. III. fig. 5.) 



Fronds pinnate, coriaceous ; pinnse articulated at the base, often 

 deciduous, with minute white waxy dots on the upper surface, veins 



* Gr. Nephros, a kidney, and lepis, a scale, from the shape of the involucre. 



