212 
New Zealand Ferns 
(82) L. Fraseri (Mr. Fraser). A very handsome 
and distinct species, sometimes covering- the forest floor 
with miniature forests, for it usually grows upon a stem. 
Unlike the other species of Lomaria, the fertile and bar- 
ren fronds bear a close resemblance to one another when 
viewed from above. 
Description . — Roots erect, with a dense tuft of dark-brown 
scales at the tip, often elongated into a stem 6 to 24 inches high 
or more, resembling the trunk of a minute tree-fern. Stalks 3 to 
9 inches high, scaly towards the base. Fronds 9 to 18 inches long 
by 3 to 6 inches broad, quite smooth, almost membranous, glisten- 
ing, dark-green. Midrib and upper part of stalk furnished with 
deeply-indented wings. Fertile fronds similar to barren, but rather 
smaller and with narrower leaflets. Seeds copious, covering the 
whole under surface. 
North Island: Abundant in dry woods from the North Cape 
to Upper Waikato and Taranaki. South Island : Massacre Bay, 
West Wanganui, extending along the West Coast to Charleston. 
Sea-level to 2.000 feet. 
A very remarkable species; the curious toothed wing- 
showing on either side of the midrib like triangular 
teeth, gives the frond a most unique appearance. It is 
most abundant in the North, sometimes covering acres 
of ground with innumerable tufts of shining, dark- 
green fronds. It is not difficult to grow if young plants 
are taken from open situations. Confined to New Zea- 
land. 
