238 
New Zealand Ferns 
leaflets, standing in a row on either side of the upright 
midrib, slightly curved towards each other, give the im- 
pression of clasping something precious between their 
tender green tips. As the frond matures the colour 
darkens, the leaves flatten and soon develop the long 
conspicuous lines of seed. It is very easily grown — even 
surviving the neglected kerosene tin — and has a wide 
range outside New Zealand — Norfolk Island, Lord 
Howe Island, Australia, and some of the Pacific Islands. 
(92) V ar . obliquum (slanting). Fronds smaller and 
inclined to be leathery; leaflets placed closer, not so 
pointed; seeds shorter; approaches A. obtusatum. From 
the North Cape to Campbell Island. 
