150 
New Zealand Ferns 
(56) H. distans (distant). A fragile and extremely 
graceful fern, the leaflets, in opposite pairs, being fur- 
ther apart than in others of the genus; usually growing 
on mouldering tree stumps, decaying grass tussocks, or 
any accumulation of light mould on the forest floor. 
Description . — Roots creeping, slender, rigid, clothed with red- 
brown scales. Stalks 3 to 9 inches long, slender, fragile, red- 
brown, glossy, yet rough to the touch. Fronds 6 to 15 inches long 
by 3 to 6 inches broad, bright-green to brownish-green, the 
larger specimens prostrate and interlacing with one another. 
Seeds small, placed in the indentations of the leaflets. 
From the North Cape to South Otago, not common, usually 
at low elevations. 
A graceful, delicate fern that does not always shun 
the sunbeams. It is not difficult to cultivate if planted 
in light mould, where the slender roots can push their 
way. Mr. Field describes it as looking very well when 
grown in a hanging basket; the long drooping fronds 
hang over the sides and interlace. Confined to New Zea- 
land. 
