180 
New Zealand Ferns 
XVI. LOMARIA 
LOMARIA (loma, a fringe or border; referring 
to the seed cover). A genus of about 50 species, with 14 
species and 1 variety in New Zealand; producing two 
kinds of fronds — barren and fertile. Seeds on narrow 
leaflets, in a continuous line occupying the whole space 
between the midrib and the margin, which curves over 
as a protection. 
( 68) L. Patersoni (Mr. Paterson). A very striking 
dark-green fern, with broad leaves, either entire or deep- 
forked four to twelve times. A lover of moisture and 
shade; somewhat rare in the North Island. 
Description . — Root short, stout, creeping, clothed with black- 
ish-brown scales, sometimes sending out suckers. Stalks 3 to 9 
inches long, stout, black, scaly at base. Barren fronds very vari- 
able ; sometimes simple, 6 to 12 inches long by 1 to \\ inches 
broad ; sometimes broadly forked, 1 to 3 feet long or more by 
6 inches to 1 foot wide, stiff, shining dark-green above, paler be- 
neath. Veins numerous, forked. Fertile frond as long as the 
barren. Seeds continuous, ultimately covering the whole under 
surface. 
North and South Islands, Stewart Island. Damp hilly forests 
from the Thames and Te Aroha southwards. Local on the east 
side of the South Island. Sea-level to 3,000 feet. 
