384 
New Zealand Ferns 
from one spot — south-western slopes of Mount Tor- 
lesse, at 2,700 feet, where it was found many years 
ago by J. D. Enys, but has not been rediscovered.” 
A wide-spread species, always growing- in the open. 
( 157 ) B. ternatum (divided in threes). “Parsley 
Fern.” A fern with barren and fertile fronds branching 
from one stem, usually growing in shade when it is ten- 
der and succulent; the barren frond not unlike an un- 
curled parsley leaf. 
Description . — Root short, stout. Fronds solitary, 6 to 18 
inches long or more. Barren leaf variable in size, usually from 
3 to 6 inches broad and long, but large specimens sometimes reach 
9 to 13 inches, and small ones are often dwarfed to less than 
2 inches, light-green to yellow-green, texture thick and fleshy. 
Fertile spike on a slender stalk, 4 to 12 inches long or more, 
nearly overtopping the barren leaf. 
The ordinary form ranges from the North Cape to South 
Otago. Sea-level to 3,500 feet. 
Personally I have rarely encountered this species. Mr. 
Thomson says: — “If lifted with some of the accom- 
panying sod, this fern soon establishes itself in the fer- 
nery. It is much more readily shifted about than Ophio- 
glossum, and is an extremely hardy plant.” 
Some authorities separate it into seven or eight dis- 
tinct species, the New Zealand form being placed under 
B. australe. Found also in North America, Asia, Aus- 
tralia, and Tasmania. 
