Volume IV (1988) - Flora of New Zealand Naturalised Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, Dicotyledons
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Adiantum cunninghamii Hook.

A. cunninghamii Hook. Sp. Fil. 2: 52, t. 86a (1851).

Rhizomes far-creeping, scaly. Stipes and rachises glabrous except at very base. Laminae ovate or elliptic, 10-35 × 5-24 cm, (2)-3-pinnate. Primary pinnae alternate, (1)-2-4-(5) on each side of rachis bearing secondary pinnae, and a terminal portion with 10-12 undivided primary pinnae on each side. Ultimate pinnules ± oblong or parallelogrammoid, tending to curve acroscopically at the apices, 8-25 × 4-12 mm; stalk attached at proximal corner; upper and outer margins irregularly toothed, lower and inner margins entire; both surfaces glabrous, upper surface dark green, lower glaucous. Indusia ± reniform with prominent sinuses, glabrous, to 14 per pinnule on upper and outer margins.

N.; S.: coastal and lowland areas throughout, but less frequent in drier areas; St.; K., Ch.

Probably endemic.

Open forest especially amongst boulders, cliffs, shady banks and seepages.

A. cunninghamii is reported to be present in Queensland but the true identity of the Australian plant requires determination.

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