258 
New Zealand Ferns 
(101) A. Richard i (M. Richard). A somewhat puzz- 
ling' species, standing midway between A. Hookerianum 
Var. Colensoi and A. flaccidum. A South Island fern, 
reported only from the Tararua Ranges in the North 
Island. 
Description . — Root short, stout, usually forming a rounded 
knot-like stem, clothed at the top with dark-brown scales. Stalks 
2 to 6 inches long, stout, rigid, erect, greenish, usually clothed 
with scales. Fronds tufted, 3 to 9 inches long, without the stalks, 
by 1 to 4 inches broad, dark-green, varying from firm to almost 
membranous in texture. Seeds short, broad, along the margins 
of the leaflets. 
North Island: Tararua Ranges. South Island: Not uncommon 
in hilly and mountainous country throughout. Sea-level to 4,000 
feet. 
