42 
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. 
