| Other Names |
Bracken fern, Kilau, kilau pueo, pai'a |
| Status |
Indigenous species, endemic subspecies |
| Distribution
& Habitat |
Found from 170 to 3,050 m on barren lava
fields and along dry, rocky roadsides. It grows vigorously in areas
that are open or have only light shade (Valier 1995: 55). In the
higher elevations, such as the subalpine, the plants are smaller in
stature and are found as scattered individuals (Stone and Pratt 1994:
257).
This species is found worldwide (Valier 1955: 55). |
| Locations
in this Guide |
Kipuka Puaulu, Mauna Loa
Strip Road, Top of the Strip Road |
| General
Appearance |
|
| Fronds
& Leaves |
| The fronds have bright
green leaves and may reach 1 m tall. The fronds are divided
three times (Valier 1995: 55).
The stalks (stipes) are stiff, shiny and golden
colored (Valier 1995: 55).
The stalks are hairless (Stone and Pratt 1994:
257).
|
 |
|
|
|
| Spores |
| Spore-bearing structures
are found along the margins of the last leaf divisions. The edge
of the leaf curls to protect them. |
 |
|
|
|
| Phenology |
These ferns show a distinct seasonality,
a rather rare behavior for a native species in Hawaii. The fronds
die back in the winter although the underground rhizome remains
alive. The fiddleheads emerge in the early spring and by late summer
to early fall, the fronds have become mature and turn brown (Stone and
Pratt 1994: 257). |
| Natural
History |
Stone and Pratt (1994: 257) describe this
species as a "hardy native" and one that can withstand the
pressures from fire, pigs and cattle. |
| Conservation |
The underground rhizomes are
a favorite food of pigs. This can be very disruptive as the pigs dig
for this food, along with grass roots and earthworms. Fortunately,
pigs have been removed from the Mauna Loa Strip Road so this is no longer
a major problem (Stone and Pratt 1994: 257). |
| Miscellaneous
Photos |
|
| Other Notes |
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