The most abundant ferns growing beneath the larger tree ferns are
AMAUMAU (40) and the AMAU (41). Found frequently in both the Kilauea and
Haleakala sections of the Park, the amaumau is usually larger than the
less common amau and the fronds are not as hairy. The easiest method of
identification, however, is by comparing the undersides of the frond
segments (see illustration). The amaumau is smooth while the amau is
prominently veined. Usually smaller than the true tree ferns, and known
only from the Hawaiian Islands, ferns of this genus may reach heights as
great as 12 feet. A comparison of the photographs of these ferns with
the tree ferns will show that the entire frond of the AMAU or AMAUMAU
resembles a single segment of the many-branched frond of the tree fern.
The AMAUMAU fern has a high resistance to heat and drought, and may
often be seen growing on the Kau Desert near Kilauea crater. It is one
of the first plants to take root on new lava flows, in company with the
ohia tree. The illustration below shows a specimen growing on the 1877
lava which forms the floor of Keanakokoi crater.
Fowler (4, p. 16) states that the Hawaiians prepared a red dye used on
KAPA cloth from the outer part of the trunk of the amaumau. Leaves of
the amau provided a lining and thatching for houses, and the young
leaves and pith of the stems were occasionally cooked for food.
[Illustration: {Amaumau _growing on lava._}]
[Illustration: {_Underside of frond segments of_ AMAUMAU _and_
AMAU.}]
[Illustration: _In the rain forest near the old Pulu Factory. At
least six different kind of ferns may be seen in this photograph._]
[Illustration: Wawaeiole or Clubmoss. D&M, (58-61) (pages 36 and
39)]
[Illustration: Uluhe or False Staghorn. D&M, (4) (pages 32 and 37)]
[Illustration: Palaa. D, (14) (pages 32 and 37)]
[Illustration: Pamoho. M, (48) (pages 35 and 38)]
[Illustration: _Pamoho at the mouth of the Thurston Lava Tube_]
[Illustration: Palapalai o kaumaapua. M, (34) (pages 34 and 38)]
[Illustration: Loulu. M, (19) (pages 33 and 37)]
[Illustration: Laukahi or Cliffbrake. D, (20) (pages 33 and 37)]
[Illustration: Lance fern or DORYOPTERIS. D, (21) (pages 33 and 37)]
[Illustration: Owalii or Maidenhair Spleenwort. D, (47) (pages 35
and 38)]
[Illustration: Kilau or Bracken. D, (15) (pages 33 and 37)]
[Illustration: Pipi. D, (63) (pages 36 and 39)]
[Illustration: Moa. M, (62) (pages 36 and 39)]
[Illustration: Werner Stoy
_Dry-land ferns and grasses form the ground cover at this overlook
above the Koolau Gap, with Hanakauhi, “Maker of the Mist”, in the
distance. Haleakala Section, Hawaii National Park._]
[Illustration: Nianiau or Sword Ferns. From the left, Narrow
Swordfern (25), Scaly Swordfern (26), and Common Swordfern (24).]
[Illustration: Adder’s Tongue. (Pages 32 and 37)
_Ophioglossum pendulum_ (3)]
[Illustration: _Ophioglossum petiolatum_ (1) left
_Ophioglossum nudicaule_ (2)]
[Illustration: Common _epiphytes_, or air plants]
1. Kihi. M, (54) (pages 36 and 38)
2. Pai. M, (55) (pages 36 and 38)
3. Ekaha akolea. M, (51) (pages 36 and 38)
4. Grammitis hookeri. M, (52) (pages 36 and 38)
5. Amphoradenium sarmentosum. M, (56) (pages 36 and 38)
6. Wahini noho mauna. M, (57) (pages 36 and 38)
7. Palailaulii. M, (5) (pages 32 and 37)
8. Palaihinahina. M, (6) (pages 32 and 37)
9. Ohiaku. M, (7) (pages 32 and 37)
10. Kilau. M, (8) (pages 32 and 37)
[Illustration: {Epiphytes, #7-9}]
[Illustration: {Epiphyte, #10}]
[Illustration: _Amaumau ferns form beautiful patterns as they send
out new fronds. Kilauea Section, Hawaii National Park._]
[Illustration: Ekaha or Birdnest Fern. M, (42) (pages 35 and 38).
The dark areas on undersurfaces are spores.]
[Illustration: _Cyclosorus sandwicensis._ M, (36) (pages 35 and 38)]
[Illustration: The Elephant-Tongue ferns: From the left,
_Elaphoglossum reticulatum_, small form (31), _E. aemulum_ (28), _E.
gorgoneum_ (29), _E. reticulatum_, large form (28), and _E. hirtum_
(30) (pages 34 and 38). All are called “EKAHA.” The dark surfaces
are spores.]
[Illustration: Palapalai. D&M, (13) (pages 32 and 37)]
[Illustration: Iwaiwa. D, (49) (pages 35 and 38)]
[Illustration: _Asplenium contiguum._ M, (43) (pages 35 and 38)]
[Illustration: _Asplenium Macraei._ M, (46) (pages 35 and 38).
Iwaiwa o kane. D, (44) (pages 35 and 38)]
[Illustration: Piipiilau manamana. M, (45) (pages 35 and 38)]
[Illustration: Owalii or Cretan Brake. D&M, (16) (pages 33 and 37)]
[Illustration: Waimakanui. D, (17) (pages 33 and 37)]
[Illustration: Kaapeape. D, (27) (pages 34 and 37)]
[Illustration: Laukahi. D, (32) (pages 34 and 38)]
[Illustration: Above and below: Ae or _pellucid polypody_. D&M, (50)
(pages 36 and 38)]
[Illustration: Ae.]
[Illustration: Kolokolo. M, (53) (pages 36 and 38)]
[Illustration: Iwaiwa or Maidenhair. M, (23) (pages 34 and 37)]
[Illustration: Akolea. M, (38) (pages 35 and 38)]
[Illustration: Hoio. M, (39) (pages 35 and 38)]
[Illustration: Kikaweo. M, (35) (page 38)]
[Illustration: _Cyclosorus dentatus._ M, (37) (pages 35 and 38)]
[Illustration: Silver Fern. D, (22) (pages 33 and 37)]
(1-3) ADDER’S TONGUE
Sharp-eyed observers may find in cracks near Halemaumau and along the
Chain of Craters Road the adder’s tongue, a small, delicate plant with a
“head” which resembles a pointed tongue. Fowler (4) found the LAUKAHI
growing on trees near Keanakakoi and Makaopuhi craters. Hawaiians are
said to have prepared a cough remedy from the LAUKAHI. Near the 6,000
foot level on the slopes of Haleakala may be found a species of
_Ophioglossum_ according to Hillebrand (5).
(4) ULUHE OR FALSE STAGHORN
An attractive native fern which often becomes a pest by choking out
other plants is the ULUHE, common in openings throughout the eastern
half of the park. This fern often forms thickets so dense as to be
virtually impenetrable. Seeds of native plants which germinate beneath
these thickets may not be able to penetrate to sunlight. A fire hazard
is also presented by the dried fronds. An infusion was prepared from the
ULUHE, which the Hawaiians drank as an emetic, according to Fowler (4,
p. 10). Hillebrand (5, p. 545) states that this fern is “common on all
islands from 600 feet above the sea (Hilo district) to 3,000 feet....
The species occurs in most tropical countries of both hemispheres and in
many islands of the Pacific.”
(5-8) THE FILMY FERNS
Sharp eyes will be needed to detect the filmy ferns, since they normally
are found on tree trunks and rocks in the jungles, and may easily be
confused with the mosses with which they commonly grow. Compare the size
of the dainty PALAILAULII, which is about one inch long, with the tree
ferns, which often reach a height of 40 feet.
(13) PALAPALAI
An attractive fern with lace-like fronds, the PALAPALAI prefers the
outskirts of woods and open places. It is abundant in Kipuka Puaulu in
the Kilauea Section. The PALAPALAI is common in moderately wet areas
and, according to Hillebrand (5, p. 625) is found on all inhabited
Hawaiian Islands, as well as in India, Ceylon, Malaysia, Japan and
Formosa.
(14) PALAA
The PALAA was called the most common of all Hawaiian ferns by Hillebrand
(5, p. 627). In addition to Hawaii, he states that it is spread over all
tropical Polynesia and Asia, extending as far east as Madagascar and
north to Japan. Thriving in dry areas as well as moist, the PALAA is
common near Hilina Pali and in the vicinity of steam cracks around
Kilauea. It is one of the most abundant ferns along the Steaming Bluffs.
A red dye was extracted from the leaves by the old Hawaiians.
(15) KILAU OR BRACKEN
One of the most common ferns in dry areas in the Park is the KILAU, or
bracken fern. It often may be seen growing among tall grass, and is
abundant in the vicinity of Kipuka Puaulu and Kipuka Nene. It extends to
about the 9,000-foot level on the slopes of Mauna Loa.
(16) OWALII OR CRETAN BRAKE
Fairly common in the Kilauea Section, this fern may be found in Kipuka
Puaulu, along the Sandalwood Trail, and in the vicinity of the Thurston
Lava Tube. Note the dark rows of spores along the outer edges of the
leaves.
(17) WAIMAKANUI
Although not listed as a common fern, the WAIMAKANUI may be seen in open
areas in Kipuka Puaulu, as may the other ferns on the same page. It is
the same genus as the OWALII, described above.
(19) LOULU
This attractive fern is common near the entrance to the Thurston Lava
Tube. Found in moist localities at 3,000 to 5,000 feet elevation in the
Kilauea section, it normally grows as a short-stemmed plant, but may
reach heights of more than three feet. Hillebrand (5, p. 550) states
that it occurs also on Maui and Kauai at these elevations.
(20) LAUKAHI OR CLIFFBRAKE
Found in both sections of Hawaii National Park, the laukahi is found
most frequently in dry areas. In the Kilauea section it has been found
at elevations ranging up to 9,500 feet. The segments of the fronds,
known technically as PINNAE, are blue-gray in color and are often shaped
like a clover leaf, particularly when the fern is growing in shade. The
PINNAE are usually rolled up lengthwise, hiding the reproductive
structures. Hillebrand (5, p. 633) lists this species as occurring on
Maui, Hawaii and Kauai, and over the High Andes from Chile to Mexico.
(21) DORYOPTERIS OR LANCE FERN
Native only to the Hawaiian Islands but having no Hawaiian name, the
lance fern is common from Hilina Pali to the seacoast and throughout the
Kau Desert. The plants are small, tufted, and from six to fifteen inches
high. They often are abundant around the bases of lava outcroppings.
(22) SILVERFERN
A non-native plant which escaped from garden cultivation, the silverfern
often grows in large clumps in dry washes in the Hilina Pali area, and
extends out onto the Kau Desert. Also called “goldfern” these plants
derive their name from a waxy gold or silver-colored powder on the
underside of the fronds.
(23) IWAIWA OR MAIDENHAIR
Maidenhair fern, often used in floral decoration, is a plant familiar to
many. Preferring shady, moist places it is common in the vicinity of
Hilina Pali. The black glossy stalks provided ornamentation for Hawaiian
baskets and hats. The native species apparently is being replaced by a
non-native which was introduced about 50 years ago.
(24-26) NIANIAU OR SWORD FERN
The sword fern is a familiar plant in tropical and sub-tropical areas. A
common house fern, its scientific name, _Nephrolepis_, means
“kidney-scale” in Greek. The fern was so named because the spore dots on
the underside of the leaflets are protected by a kidney-shaped tissue
called an _indusium_. In the Haleakala section, _Puu Nianiau_, the hill
below the lodge, received its name from these ferns, which are also
called “OKUPUKUPU.” They are common in humid regions of the park,
particularly in the vicinity of steam cracks near Kilauea. The three
species illustrated have been found in the Park. Several large stands
may be seen in Kipuka Puaulu (Bird Park).
(27) KAAPEAPE
The KAAPEAPE may be recognized by the three pointed terminal leaflet and
remaining leaflets which are shaped like spear points. A species found
in India and China as well as the Hawaiian Islands, the kaapeape is
fairly common in Kipuka Puaulu. Note the irregular spore dots, often
abundant on the undersides of the leaves.
(28-31) EKAHA OR MAUI’S PADDLE
Common throughout forested areas in the park are the plants known
scientifically as _Elaphoglossum_, (Greek for “elephant-tongue”). They
are usually found growing as _epiphytes_ or air plants on the trunks of
trees. The resemblance to a paddle was recognized by the Hawaiians as
the name HOEA MAUI or “Maui’s paddle” indicates. In contrast to this
smooth, shiny species is the fuzzy EKAHA. According to Hillebrand, (5,
p. 549) these plants are found on all the inhabited Hawaiian Islands and
in tropical America, Tahiti, India, tropical Africa, Madeira and the
Azores. Six species of _Elaphoglossum_ have been found in the Kilauea
section.
(32) LAUKAHI
The LAUKAHI is a fairly common, low fern in the vicinity of Kipuka
Puaulu, but is considered rare in other portions of the Park. Fagerlund
(3, p. 19) lists it as having been collected in a lava tube at 8,800
feet on Mauna Loa.
(34) PALAPALAI O KAUMAAPUA
One of the most interesting things about this fern is the fact that the
frond tapers in both directions—toward the tip and toward the base. This
may be seen in the illustration. This species is fairly abundant in the
crater near the Thurston Lava Tube.
(36) CYCLOSORUS SANDWICENSIS
Although this fern is a native Hawaiian species, no Hawaiian name for it
could be found. It prefers shade and moist areas and is fairly common in
the Thurston Lava Tube and Kilauea Iki trails.
(37) CYCLOSORUS DENTATUS
The fern known technically as _Cyclosorus dentatus_ is not native to
Hawaii, but apparently was considered common on Oahu after 1900,
according to Wagner (6, p. 110). It may be found in moist areas in and
near the Park.
(38) AKOLEA
One of the most dainty of ferns, the AKOLEA is found in wet areas in the
vicinity of the Thurston Lava Tube. It is a common fern on the Kulani
Trail, just outside of the Park.
(39) HOIO
Common in moist areas in the Kilauea section, the HOIO prefers shade.
The fronds are large, often 3 to 4 feet long. Below the branches the
midribs are dark brown and smooth, but clothed with dark scales at their
bases. Spore dots are abundant.
(42) EKAHA OR BIRDNEST FERN
Of all Hawaiian fern species, few are more beautiful than the birdnest
fern, whose fronds often reach a length of six feet. Although it has not
been described from the Park, it has been included because it is
abundant in the Puna District, and probably will be found in the
Kalapana Extension of the Park. It normally grows in trees, but it may
also attach itself to rocks. When this happens the young birdnest ferns
are often called “rock ferns.” The dark areas on the underside of the
leaves in the illustration are spores.
(43-46, 49) ASPLENIUM
Among the most attractive, the _Asplenium_ ferns are also among the most
diversified Hawaiian plants as far as appearance is concerned. Showing
wide variety in choice of habitat they range from moist jungles to arid
lava flows. A number of the species may be recognized by the similarity
in shape of the leaf segments, and the long, parallel rows of spores,
but all do not show these characteristics. Nine species have been found
in the Kilauea Section of the Park.
(47) OWALII OR MAIDENHAIR SPLEENWORT
The maidenhair spleenwort has adapted itself to a dry existence. It is
abundant on barren lava flows where few other plants grow, and ranges up
to an elevation of about 10,000 feet.
(48) PAMOHO
A fern which lives in moist shady craters and lava tubes, the PAMOHO may
be seen growing on the cliff at the mouth of the Thurston Lava Tube.
(50) AE OR PELLUCID POLYPODY
A common plant throughout the open forests of the Kilauea Section, this
fern may be seen growing in abundance at the bases of ohia trees.
Superficially resembling a sword fern, the sharp twists to the leaf
segments differentiate it from them. An interesting thing about this
species is that it has also adapted itself to a life as an epiphyte, or
air plant, in the rain forests, at which time it develops a heavy
root-stock and has a much different appearance, as may be seen in the
illustrations.
(51-57) KIHI AND RELATIVES
The six ferns illustrated were formerly grouped under the genus
_Polypodium_, but several have recently been reclassified and placed in
new genera. The plants illustrated normally grow as _epiphytes_, or air
plants on tree trunks and rocks in the rain forests of the Kilauea
Section. That the Hawaiians recognized them as distinct plants is
indicated in the fact that they were given different Hawaiian names.
(58-61) WAWAEIOLE OR CLUBMOSS
Clubmosses are sometimes called “living fossils.” Many deposits of the
continental United States are formed from giant relatives of these
plants. The name “clubmoss” is derived from the spore-bearing bodies,
which are club-shaped. Most abundant is the nodding clubmoss but at
least three other species may be found in the Kilauea and Haleakala
sections.
Degener (2) reports that the Hawaiians used the wawaeiole (“rat’s foot”)
as a relief for rheumatism, the sufferer bathing in water in which the
plants had been boiled for about three hours.
(62-63) MOA OR PIPI
The _Psilotum_ is a primitive plant, of which two species are found in
the Hawaiian Islands. One is the MOA, which usually grows on the ground
and has stems which fork many times near the ends. The second, the PIPI,
often grows upon the trunks of trees and ferns. This species normally
grows perpendicular to the trunk, then curves abruptly earthward like
the tail of a horse. Degener (2, p. 18) states that the MOA was used by
the Hawaiians in making a medicine for treatment of a fungus disease, as
an emetic, and that the spores were used as a powder to relieve chafing
from the malo, or loincloth.