26 
New Zealand Ferns 
I. HYMENOPHYLLUM 
HYMENOPH YLLUM (hymen, membrane; 
phyllon, leaf). “Filmy ferns.” A genus of about 90 
species, represented in New Zealand by 19 authentic 
species and two varieties. Found only in shady forests 
where the air is moist and still; mostly of small size, 
covering trees and rocks with lovely drooping fronds, 
through which the light glances, or with feathery mats 
of a tender translucent green. Seeds in little cup-shaped 
vessels on the margins of the leaflets. 
(1 )H. rarurn (rare — meaning thin). A small, deli- 
cate fern of a pale glistening green; pendulous from 
trees and rocks; of a broader pattern than the other 
small members of the genus. 
Description . — Roots small, wiry, black. Fronds very variable, 
1 to 4 inches long, but sometimes dwarfed to ^in. or lengthened 
to 8 inches ; narrow, rarely exceeding 1 inch in width ; flaccid and 
quite smooth, thin, membranous, pale-green. Seeds large, near 
the summit of the frond. 
From Mongonui and Kaitaia southwards, not uncommon. Sea- 
level to 3,000 feet. 
This slender delicate species occurs in shady forests 
in both islands. It is difficult to cultivate, because the 
wiry roots creep under the bark and fibres of the trees 
upon which it grows ; the best plan is to bring away some 
of the bark with the plant growing upon it. 
Distributed widely in both hemispheres. 
NOTE. — The popular terms “root” and “seeds” are used throughout, in place 
of the botanical terms “rhizome” and “sori.” 
