208 
New Zealand Ferns 
( 80 ) L. fluviatilis (riverine). Most readily recog- 
nised by the fertile fronds on which the short leaflets 
grow very upright, almost parallel with the stalk. The 
barren fronds are not unlike those of Pcllaca rot undi- 
folia in general outline. 
Description . — Root stout, semi-erect, often woody, densely 
clothed with chestnut-brown scales. Stalks very short, covered 
with scales. Barren fronds very numerous, 12 to 30 inches long 
by fin. to IV inches broad, texture rather membranous, dark- 
green to olive-green. Fertile fronds erect. Midribs densely scaly, 
giving a brown hue to the plant. Seeds copious, covering the 
whole surface. 
Fairlv abundant throughout the Dominion. Sea-level to 2,500 
feet. 
A very handsome, decorative species, hardy and easily 
cultivated, showing to perfection when the narrow dark- 
green fronds droop over the edge of a flower pot and 
form a crown-like setting to the tall, erect fronds in the 
centre.* It is also found in Victoria and Tasmania. 
