178 
New Zealand Ferns 
( 67 ) P. incisa (toothed). A large, branching, some- 
what straggling species. Readily distinguished by the 
pea-green, almost blue-green, of the young stalks and 
leaves, the luxuriant way in which the base of the leaf- 
lets overlap the central and side stalks, and the toothed, 
sawlike outline. Usually growing on the outskirts of 
the bush. 
Description . — Root long, creeping, rather slender, producing 
numerous scattered fronds. Stalks 1 to 3 feet high or more, erect, 
smooth and glossy, yellow-brown to red-brown, sometimes nearly 
black when mature. Fronds variable in size, 2 to 4 feet long by 
1 to 2 feet broad, quite smooth, bright-green to bluish-green. 
Seeds in nearly continuous rows along the margins of the leaflets, 
but never extending to the tips. Veins more or less netted near 
the midribs of the leaflets. 
Abundant throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to 3,000 feet. 
A strong-growing species, often forming thickets on 
the outskirts of the bush. It sowed itself about my gar- 
den in several places, sending out exploring surface roots 
in every direction ; indeed, they grew so vigorously that 
I had to dock them to prevent their taking full charge 
of the fernery. It seems to thrive in every situation but 
the shady depths of the forest, and flourishes exceed- 
ingly among the hot springs of the thermal regions. 
It is found also throughout the tropics and the south 
temperate zone. I shall never forget coming across it in 
Fiji; the smooth sea-green stalks, covered with a milky- 
white bloom, growing out of the earth close to the path, 
4 or 5 feet high and without a side shoot — only the 
tightly-rolled crook on the top. A full-grown trailing 
frond measured 23 feet. 
