Division of Forestry and Wildlife: Forestry Program

Common Name: Hawaiian Tree Fern

Scientific Name: Cibotium glaucum

Range: This species of tree fern is most common on the island of Hawaii though it can be found across the state growing in moist to wet forests at elevations between 1,500 and 5,000 ft.

About this Species: Similar to other tree species included on this list, the Hapu’u was used by Hawaiians as food and for medicinal purposes. Specifically, the soft woolly material surrounding the base of the fronds was used for dressing wounds and embalming bodies.

Photos by Forest & Kim Starr.