(14) PALAA
The PALAA was called the most common of all Hawaiian ferns by Hillebrand (5, p. 627). In addition to Hawaii, he states that it is spread over all tropical Polynesia and Asia, extending as far east as Madagascar and north to Japan. Thriving in dry areas as well as moist, the PALAA is common near Hilina Pali and in the vicinity of steam cracks around Kilauea. It is one of the most abundant ferns along the Steaming Bluffs. A red dye was extracted from the leaves by the old Hawaiians.
(15) KILAU OR BRACKEN
One of the most common ferns in dry areas in the Park is the KILAU, or bracken fern. It often may be seen growing among tall grass, and is abundant in the vicinity of Kipuka Puaulu and Kipuka Nene. It extends to about the 9,000-foot level on the slopes of Mauna Loa.
(16) OWALII OR CRETAN BRAKE
Fairly common in the Kilauea Section, this fern may be found in Kipuka Puaulu, along the Sandalwood Trail, and in the vicinity of the Thurston Lava Tube. Note the dark rows of spores along the outer edges of the leaves.
(17) WAIMAKANUI
Although not listed as a common fern, the WAIMAKANUI may be seen in open areas in Kipuka Puaulu, as may the other ferns on the same page. It is the same genus as the OWALII, described above.
(19) LOULU
This attractive fern is common near the entrance to the Thurston Lava Tube. Found in moist localities at 3,000 to 5,000 feet elevation in the Kilauea section, it normally grows as a short-stemmed plant, but may reach heights of more than three feet. Hillebrand (5, p. 550) states that it occurs also on Maui and Kauai at these elevations.