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.