62 
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. 
