160 
New Zealand Ferns 
(60) P.rotundifolia (round-leaved). Very similar to 
P. falcata, but the leaflets, as suggested by the name, 
are sometimes nearly circular. One of the most decora- 
tive ferns we have, equally at home in the bright sun- 
shine or the gloomy shade of a cave-mouth. It is easily 
recognised by the single row of round leaflets on either 
side of the stalk, dark and shining, of a peculiar shade, 
as if the leaf had been blackleaded. 
Description . — Root long, rigid, wiry, creeping, scaly. Stalks 
3 to 6 inches long, densely covered with scales. Fronds 6 to 14 
inches long or more by fin. to \\ inches broad, dark-green, shining, 
lighter below. Seeds forming a broad band round the margins 
of the leaflets, but not so continuous as in P. falcata. 
Not uncommon in dry woods throughout the Dominion. Sea- 
level to 2,000 feet. 
An easy fern to grow, making an attractive addition 
to the fernery; but the leaflets have a habit of falling 
and leaving the bare stalks exposed to view. The brown 
shaggy crook of a new frond is first seen in a semi- 
recumbent position, then, rising as if hinged, it soon 
becomes upright. The leaves mature quickly. Found 
also in Norfolk Island. 
