Man Fern / Hawaiian Tree Fern (Cibotium chamissoi)

Overview

Man Fern, or Hawaiian Tree Fern (Cibotium chamissoi), is a majestic tree fern endemic to Hawaii, known as Hāpu'u. It forms a stout trunk covered in golden wool and a crown of large, arching fronds.

Taxonomy

Description

Trunk up to 7 m tall, covered with dense, golden-brown wool (pulu). Fronds 2–4 m long, tripinnate, dark green. Stipes are also woolly. Sori are round, covered by a two-lobed indusium.

Habitat and Cultivation

Found in Hawaiian wet forests. Requires high rainfall, well-drained volcanic soil, and partial shade. The pulu was historically used for stuffing pillows and mattresses.