30 
New Zealand Ferns 
(3) H. villosum (bearing long hairs). A small 
mountain species, sometimes confused with H. poly- 
anthos. The smaller size of the fronds, the hairiness of 
the stalks and midribs, the more finely-cut leaves, and 
the narrower final divisions — almost like threads — suffi- 
ciently distinguish it. 
Description . — Root wiry, creeping. Stalks 1 to 3 inches long, 
hairy, ultimate leaflets crowded and very narrow. Fronds erect 
or curved, 2 to 6 inches long by 1 to \\ inches broad, opaque, 
dull brownish-green. 
Mountains, North Island. Hawke’s Bay — Tukituki River, 
Ruahine Mountains. Wellington — Tararua Ranges. South 
Island : In sub-alpine forests not uncommon throughout. Stewart 
Island, Auckland Islands. Usually from 2,000 to 4,000 feet, but 
descends almost to sea-level in Westland. 
It is confined to New Zealand. 
