182 
New Zealand Ferns 
Somewhat rough-looking' for a fern when examined 
closely; at a distance, on a steep bank, its glistening 
dark-green leaves have a very handsome appearance. 
According to Mr. Thomson it succeeds well in cultiva- 
tion if provided with shade and an almost constant drip. 
I have had no difficulty in growing it. 
Found also in the Pacific Islands, Malaya, and India. 
As in most species of the genus, the fronds are some- 
times partly fertile and partly barren. 
(69) L. discolor (different-coloured). “Piu-piu.” An 
exceedingly handsome species, growing in great tufts, 
sometimes as much as 6 feet across ; the broad barren 
fronds on the outside, the fertile standing stiffly upright 
in the centre ; the whole forming an elegant crown, often 
raised from the ground on a short stem. 
Description . — Root short, stout, producing suckers at the 
base, often lengthened into a stem 1 or 2 feet high. Stalks 3 to 6 
inches long, stout, polished, densely covered at the base with dark- 
brown scales. Fronds numerous, forming an elegant crown 1 to 
4 feet high; barren 2 to 6 inches broad in the middle, gradually 
tapering at both ends, texture stiff, glossy-green above, dirty- 
white or reddish-brown beneath. Fertile fronds about as long as 
the barren, 1^ to 3 inches wide, leaflets usually with a broad 
leafy base. Seeds continuous, covering the whole under surface 
except the midrib. 
Abundant in open forests throughout the Dominion. Sea-level 
to 3,000 feet. 
A gregarious species, often filling a glade to the ex- 
clusion of every other plant, and forming a picture 
hardly to be paralleled in the vegetable world. 
It is also a native of Norfolk Island, Australia, and 
Tasmania. 
