190 
New Zealand Ferns 
(73) L. dura (hard in texture). A seaside fern, con- 
fined to the southern portion of the South Island and 
some of the outlying islands. Easily recognised by the 
fleshy, leathery leaves of the barren fronds, and the 
crowded, close-set leaflets of the fertile ones. 
Description . — Root stout, erect, sometimes extended to a 
short stem. Stalks 1 to 2 inches long, clothed at the base with 
large brown scales, paler and smooth above, firm, erect. Fronds 
numerous, tufted, forming a crown; barren 1 to 2% feet long bv 
1^ to 4 inches broad, usually broadest above the middle, very 
gradually narrowed to the base, dark-green, fleshy to tough. Fer- 
tile fronds shorter and narrower than the barren. Seeds very 
copious, covering the whole under surface. 
South Island : Banks Peninsula ; eastern and southern coasts 
of Otago, not uncommon; West Coast Sounds, Stewart Island 
and Chatham Island, abundant. Auckland, Campbell, and Anti- 
podes Islands. 
This species is never found far from the influence of 
the sea spray. Mr. Field describes it as easy to grow, 
requiring no shelter. It is confined to New Zealand. 
