Laua‘e - Fern

Description:

The laua‘e is a green fern that sometimes has orange spots all over one side of a leaf. The leaf is very large and it is shaped like a lizards feet. The stem is very skinny and it has a very tiny root that is easy to pull out. It starts out as looking like a swirly lollipop and then the branches of the leaf start to grow out. It usually grows out to a 12 inches long and 6 inches wide.

Habitat:

This laua‘e plant was found on Hui Koloa Place, Kahalu‘u. Its normal habitat is anywhere from the beach to the forest. Usually it's in wet areas.

Notes:

The laua‘e is a native plant to Hawai‘i. Hawaiians used it in the past and the present for hula adornments. Lei and hake are the most common uses for this plant.