162 
New Zealand Ferns 
XV. PTERIS 
PTERIS (pterix, the Greek name for the 
bracken). A genus of about 125 species, with 6 species 
and 1 variety in New Zealand. Mostly large branching 
ferns; seeds in a line along the margins of the leaflets, 
which are slightly curved over as a protection. 
P. INCISA 
(61 ) P. aquiliana (aquiline), Vcir. esculenta (edible). 
“Rahurahu,” “Bracken,” the common “Fern,” abundant 
— too abundant everywhere. The fronds curved like an 
eagle’s beak. 
Description . — Root thick, creeping below the ground, produc- 
ing numerous scattered fronds. Stalks variable in length, stout, 
rigid, erect, smooth and shining. Fronds usually from 2 to 6 feet 
long, sometimes 10 to 12 feet, stiff and harsh, green to reddish- 
green, lighter below. Seeds generally continuous round the mar- 
gin of the fertile leaflets. 
Abundant everywhere, except in dense forests. Sea-level to 
4,000 feet. 
The avowed enemy of the early settlers, many of 
whom spent their lives in trying to eradicate it from 
their pastures. Some, by an ingenious plan of fencing in 
small areas, tried to kill it off by heavily stocking with 
sheep — sometimes it was the sheep who suffered. Bear- 
ing in mind this extreme tenacity of life, it is interesting 
