Flora of New Zealand Series

Sori continuous along margins of segs except at apices, protected by reflexed modified margin, exindusiate. Spores tetrahedral, smooth to tuberculate. Rhizome short, dictyostelic, forming an ascending paleate (sts also hairy) stock. Fronds closely approximate, pinnate to decompound; veins free or anastomosing. Terrestrial ferns with over 250 spp. mainly tropical, but with representatives in temperate regions.

Colenso's ? Pteris lomarioides in T.N.Z.I. 13, 1881, 380, based on a barren frond gathered by "an aquaintance . . . near Tapuacharuru," appears to be P. cretica, to which Colenso compares it. Buchanan (T.N.Z.I. 14, 1882, 356) records P. longifolia as collected by Lascelles "in the Tarawera country under circumstances which preclude the possibility of its having been introduced . . . the New Zealand plant has the pinnae serrated, which may claim for it the position of a variety." The specimens appear to be lost.