36 
New Zealand Ferns 
(6) H. pulcherrimum (most beautiful). A large and 
very distinct species; recognised by its great length of 
leaf in comparison with its width, the much finer and 
more open pattern, the smaller seeds, and the winged 
stalk. 
Description . — Roots short, stout, densely covered with red- 
brown scales. Stalks 2 to 6 inches long, winged to the base, wings 
not crinkly. Fronds very handsome, pale-green, erect or pendu- 
lous, 9 to 30 inches long, including the stalk, by 2 to 6 inches 
broad. Seeds small, terminating the ultimate divisions. 
North Island: Mountains of the interior, from Te Aroha and 
Lake Waikaremoana southwards. South Island : Rare and local 
in Nelson, Marlborough and Canterbury; abundant in Westland 
and Otago. Stewart Island. Sea-level to 3,000 feet. 
This lovely fern is not difficult to grow under glass. 
It is confined to New Zealand. 
