Dryopteris scottii: Scott's Wood Fern

Dryopteris scottii, Scott's Wood Fern, is a rare, endemic fern of the Hawaiian Islands. It is a medium-sized, terrestrial fern with erect, bipinnate fronds. The pinnae are lanceolate, serrate, and the sori are protected by a reniform (kidney-shaped) indusium. It grows in wet montane forests. It is little known in cultivation but of conservation significance.

Plant Profile

This Hawaiian endemic requires a tropical, wet, montane environment. It is not in general cultivation. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection. For fern specialists and botanical gardens with appropriate climate (cool, wet, tropical), it represents a unique piece of Hawaiian flora. A rare treasure.