362 
New Zealand Ferns 
in a perfect frond, divided four times; thus there were 
sixteen small stalks separated into four groups, one in 
each group dividing again and bringing the total up to 
twenty, each little stalk ending in a rudimentary leaf. 
These were nearly round, small green discs, about ^-in. 
in diameter, spread out at right angles to the main stalk. 
So far the growth had been by unrolling; then the 
method changed, the leaves expanding gradually until 
mature, when they measured about 2in by ^in. 
Not until the second year did the climbing stem ap- 
pear, twining round the first available support from 
right to left, mounting upwards, sending forth fronds 
at intervals of a few inches. These differ considerably 
from those which spring from the ground, being shorter 
and wider, and dividing only three times, a perfect frond 
consisting of eight leaves — the usual form. 
At certain points where the leaves issue from the 
climbing stem a secondary stalk springs forth and climbs 
upward, twining round the parent stem or any support 
that it can reach. A ground frond with twenty leaves is 
the exception, not the rule — they usually have fewer. 
The leaves themselves are sometimes forked, which 
adds yet another diversity. 
When the stem has climbed to some height the fertile 
fronds appear, branching several times and forming 
pretty clusters of brown seeds. As the plant matures 
the stalks turn a light brown, become hard and wiry like 
grape stalks, and exceedingly tough — a fact which is 
brought forcibly to one’s notice in the hush when trying 
to break through their entangling tendrils. 
Formerly the Maoris twisted the tough stalks into 
ropes for securing the thatch to the roofs of their huts. 
The fact of the stems being nearly of the same thick- 
ness throughout, made them very suitable for the weav- 
ing of eel baskets. The more luxurious European some- 
times uses them for mattresses. 
Found only in New Zealand. 
