AMAUMAU AND AMAU

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.

{Amaumau growing on lava.}

{Underside of frond segments of AMAUMAU and AMAU.}

In the rain forest near the old Pulu Factory. At least six different kind of ferns may be seen in this photograph.

Wawaeiole or Clubmoss. D&M, (58-61) (pages [36] and [39])

Uluhe or False Staghorn. D&M, (4) (pages [32] and [37])

Palaa. D, (14) (pages [32] and [37])

Pamoho. M, (48) (pages [35] and [38])

Pamoho at the mouth of the Thurston Lava Tube

Palapalai o kaumaapua. M, (34) (pages [34] and [38])

Loulu. M, (19) (pages [33] and [37])

Laukahi or Cliffbrake. D, (20) (pages [33] and [37])

Lance fern or DORYOPTERIS. D, (21) (pages [33] and [37])

Owalii or Maidenhair Spleenwort. D, (47) (pages [35] and [38])

Kilau or Bracken. D, (15) (pages [33] and [37])

Pipi. D, (63) (pages [36] and [39])

Moa. M, (62) (pages [36] and [39])

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.

Nianiau or Sword Ferns. From the left, Narrow Swordfern (25), Scaly Swordfern (26), and Common Swordfern (24).

Adder’s Tongue. (Pages [32] and [37])
Ophioglossum pendulum (3)

Ophioglossum petiolatum (1) left
Ophioglossum nudicaule (2)

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])

Amaumau ferns form beautiful patterns as they send out new fronds. Kilauea Section, Hawaii National Park.

Ekaha or Birdnest Fern. M, (42) (pages [35] and [38]). The dark areas on undersurfaces are spores.

Cyclosorus sandwicensis. M, (36) (pages [35] and [38])

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.