324 
New Zealand Ferns 
(133) P. Billardieri (M. Billardiere). Sometimes 
called “Hound’s Tongue.” A broad-leaved, bright-green 
species, climbing over rocks and trees with a thick creep- 
ing root; very irregular in shape and size; the large 
round seeds of a bright orange, most conspicuous. 
Upper Side Seeds seen through the leaf. {See also page 306) 
Description . — Root long, stout, creeping, often sea-green in 
colour, covered with black specks. Stalks jointed to the root, 2 to 
8 inches long, stout, erect, smooth and glossy. Fronds numerous, 
scattered along the root, bright-green, stiff and firm in texture, 
polished and shining, varying greatly in shape, sometimes 3 to 9 
inches long by \m. to 2 inches broad, quite entire ; sometimes 
6 to 18 inches long by 3 to 9 inches broad, deeply forked. Veins 
netted, and conspicuous in young fronds. Seeds numerous, large, 
round, orange-red, forming a single row on each side of the mid- 
rib, sunk in shallow cavities, which make a small bulge on the 
upper side of the frond. 
Abundant throughout the Dominion, usually on rocks and 
trees, but sometimes on the ground. Sea-level to 3,000 feet. 
The large glossy leaves of this handsome fern are 
very noticeable, giving an appearance of tropical luxuri- 
ance to the scene. The contrast of the brilliantly coloured 
discs of orange-red seeds with the bright green leaves 
makes them most attractive. The collector is lured to 
gather numerous specimens, which, alas ! lose nearly all 
their glory in the process of drying. 
It grows everywhere, in the shade or in the sun — one 
of those that sowed itself in my garden; very easy to 
cultivate. The stalk of the young frond uncoils slowly, 
expanding above into a small leaf, which increases in 
size (not by unrolling) until the full dimensions of the 
