166 
New Zealand Ferns 
(62 ^P.scaberula (a little rough). A very fine-cut 
fern, rather harsh to the touch ; sometimes called “The 
Scented Fern/’ or “The Lace Fern.” It gives forth a 
sweet aromatic perfume, especially in the hot sunshine. 
Fond of growing on sunny banks to the exclusion of 
other plants. 
Description . — Root wide-creeping, rigid, wiry, clothed with 
chestnut-brown scales. Stalks 4 to 12 inches long, rigid, erect, 
yellow-brown, rough to the touch, more or less bristly. Fronds 
9 to 18 inches high, rarely more, by 4 to 9 inches broad, pale 
yellow-green, somewhat harsh to the touch. Midrib sinuous, 
rough. Seeds copious, when mature covering the under surface 
of the leaflets, except the extreme tips and the base. 
Abundant throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to 2,500 feet. 
This very beautiful and typically New Zealand fern 
will grow in the most unpromising situations imagin- 
able, the dry clay cutting of a bush road being a favour- 
ite locality; indeed, it seems to prefer poor soil. Though 
a little difficult to transplant, it is apt to take charge 
when once established in the fernery. In her book 
“British Ferns,” Miss Pules included it among the most 
attractive foreign ferns suitable for greenhouse cultiva- 
tion, “8 or 9 inches high. A perfect little gem.” The 
other day I walked through acres of it up to my. knees; 
lovely soft-green fronds that filled the air with perfume. 
It is confined to New Zealand. 
