194 
New Zealand Ferns 
(75) L. alpina (alpine). Fronds much narrower than 
any others of the genus — half to three-quarters of an 
inch wide — usually in mountain regions; stalks unusu- 
ally long, barren fronds shorter than the fertile. 
Description . — Roots long, slender, creeping, clothed with 
rusty-looking scales. Stalks 2 to 6 inches long or more, slender, 
red-brown, smooth and polished, sparingly scaly. Fronds tufted 
along the root ; barren shorter than the fertile, 4 to 18 inches long, 
including the stalks, by Jin. to fin. broad, spreading or decum- 
bent, dark-green, varying in texture from thick and firm to almost 
membranous. Fertile fronds erect. Seeds copious, covering the 
whole under surface. 
North and South Islands, Chatham Island, Stewart Island. 
From the Upper Thames Valley and Rotorua southwards; abun- 
dant south of East Cape. Sea-level to 4,000 feet. 
A very handsome little fern, easily cultivated. With 
me it thrives best under swamp conditions. Also found 
in South America and Australia. 
