Map Endemic achyranthes* ‘äma‘u älula* ‘äwikiwiki bonamia* Clay's Hibiscus* cyperus cyperus sedge eugenia häpu‘u kauila* ko‘oloa‘ula* koa kulu‘ï kupukupu lama loulu palm ma‘o mämaki nänü* ‘ohai (shrub) * ‘ohai (tree) * ‘öhia lehua white hibiscus   Indigenous alahe‘e hinahina ‘ilie‘e ‘ilima kou laua‘e fern naio palapalai pili grass pöhinahina ‘uki‘uki ‘ülei variegated hau   Polynesian Introduced coconut kalo kukui red ginger red ti leaf ti leaf sugar cane ulu   Introduced cotton cup of gold eucalyptus heliconia hibiscus manila palm monstera octopus tree pink tecoma plumbago plumeria tangerine wiliwili     *endangered species

Common Name Rasp Fern Hawaiian Name 'Äma'u Scientific Name Sadleria cyatheoides Pictures Kalama Whole Plant Leaves Bark Sprouts of a leaf Curly Leaf Location On Campus  The ‘äma‘u fern is located in the Kalama Garden. Natural Habitat 'Äma'u is a plant which grows in wet forests and in open or shady areas. Cultural Information The 'äma'u fern is endemic to Hawai‘i. The fronds of the 'äma'u are used for thatching the roofs of houses. It was believed that when the 'äma'u fern grows straight up, a flood is coming soon. 'Äma'u is also used for lei making, medicine, and for food. This fern has been utilized to prolong the usefulness of used tapa. Plant Description Roots: Thick and sticky Grow underground Stem: Grow straight up 2 to 3 cm wide Dark brown and rough Leaves: Shaped like palm trees New leaves are red and become green when they mature Very sticky Spores: Found on the bottom of the fronds Found in clusters Propagation/ Cultivation:  Likes moisture, shade, fertilizer, no hard wind, and soil Dislikes wind, sun, sour dirt, cold weather, bugs, and diseases Web Site Links  Plants of Hawaii There are pictures of the 'Ämaÿu plant and a brief description of what type of plant it is.  Superba Ferns There is information on how to grow and take care of the 'Äma'u fern.  Hawaiian Native Plant Genera There is information on the fern Sadleria Cyatheoides. Very helpful information. References  Hawaiian Native Plant Genera. Dr. Gerald Carr, Web Manager. University of Hawai'i. March 20, 2003 <http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/carr/sadleria.htm. Kepler, Kay Angela.  Hawaiian Heritage: Revised edition plants. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1998. Valier, Kathy. Ferns of Hawaii. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1995. Return to Top

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