80 
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. 
