382 
New Zealand Ferns 
XXXI. BOTRYCHIUM 
BOTRYCHIUM (botrys, bunch — the seeds, like a 
bunch of grapes). A genus variously estimated at from 
6 to 15 species, with 2 species and 1 variety in New 
Zealand. The stems are divided, one part supporting 
the leaf, the other the seed-spike. 
( 156 ) B. lunaria (moonwort). An odd-looking little 
plant, not in the least like other ferns; so far recorded 
only from Canterbury. 
Description . — Roots short, tuberous. Fronds solitary, rarely 
two together, 3 to 6 inches high. Stalks stout, with one or two 
sheathing scales at the base. Barren leaves about the middle of 
the frond, fin. to 3 inches long by An. to 1 inch broad, of a full 
green, rather fleshy. Fertile spike as high as or higher than the 
barren leaf, An. to 3 inches long. 
South Island: South-west slopes of Mount Torlesse, Canter- 
bury; altitude 2,700 feet. 
There is some doubt as to this fern being a native 
of New Zealand. To quote Dr. Cockayne’s “New 
Zealand Plants,” page 21 1, second edition: — “In the 
latter region (New Zealand) it has been recorded only 
