350 
New Zealand Ferns 
( 144 ) G. dichotoma (forked). Most easily recog- 
nised by the small wing'-leaves at the forks. Found 
growing only in the heated soil of the thermal springs 
district. 
Description . — Usually from 2 to 4 feet high, sometimes 
dwarfed to a few inches, and occasionally reaching 6 feet. Root 
long, slender, clothed with reddish-brown scales. Stalks slender, 
smooth, and polished. Fronds repeatedly forked, pale-green above, 
sea-green below. Seeds small, uncovered. 
On heated soil near hot springs, Otumakokori, Orakeikorako, 
Karapiti, Wairakei, Matata. Sea-level to 1,600 feet. 
It is a curious fact that this common tropical species 
should be found only in the heated soil of the hot springs 
district — N eplirolepis cordifolia is in exactly the same 
position. It is probable that the minute seed grains of 
these ferns have been wafted on the winds from some 
tropical or semi-tropical country and deposited all over 
New Zealand. Meeting with the warmth necessary for 
germination on the hot ground adjacent to the thermal 
springs, they have grown only in those localities. 
