Tara Fern

Tara Fern (Pteris aquilina), a large species of Bracken (q.v.), the rhizome of which was one of the principal articles of food of the Maoris before the settlement of New Zealand by British colonists. The roots, about an inch in circumference, were cut in pieces, dried, and stacked. For use the root was steeped in water, dried in the sun, and then roasted. Good flour was obtained from it by beating on a stone.