32 
New Zealand Ferns 
(4) H. australe (southern). Readily distinguished 
by the crinkled wing running both along the stalks and 
throughout the whole frond, which gives the species a 
wonderfully pellucid appearance; called “Javanicum” in 
the older works. 
Description . — Roots creeping, branched, wiry. Stalks, mid- 
ribs, indeed the whole frond, more or less winged throughout. 
Fronds erect or curved, very membranous, 3 to 9 inches long by 
1^ to 4 inches broad ; forming matted patches on rocks or among 
the moss on tree trunks ; pale-green when young, becoming lurid- 
green with age. Seeds numerous, terminal on the leaflets. 
Not uncommon in damp woods throughout the Dominion. Sea- 
level to 2,000 feet. 
A beautiful soft-looking plant of an engaging appear- 
ance most attractive to the fern collector. Abundant on 
the west coast of Otago. 
A fairly wide-spread plant. 
