112 
New Zealand Ferns 
IX. CYSTOPTERIS 
CYSTOPTERIS (kystos, a cyst; pteris, a fern). 
"Bladder Fern.” A genus of 5 species, with 1 in New 
Zealand. A small tender fern; the seeds covered by an 
egg-shaped envelope somewhat like a bladder. 
(42) C. fragilis (fragile). A delicate, pale-green soft 
little mountain fern, growing among the clefts of rocks 
in dry open ground. 
Description . — Root short, semi-erect, often branched near the 
top, clothed with red-brown scales. Stalks 1 to 4 inches long, 
slender, fragile, slightly scaly at base. Fronds 3 to 9 inches long 
by 1 to 2 inches broad, pale-green, thin and membranous. Seeds 
protected by a bladder-like covering. 
North Island : Mount Egmont, Tararua Ranges, Wairarapa 
Valiev. South Island: Not uncommon in mountainous districts 
throughout. 1,000 to 4,000 feet. 
This delicate, unobtrusive little fern is found all over 
the world. Mr. Field describes it as growing easily 
under cultivation if sheltered from the wind. 
