Douglass H. Hubbard

“ Stately tree ferns border a road in Hawaii National Park
3 INTRODUCTION
Ferns are among the most interesting plants in the plant world. Varieties in Hawaii range from dainty filmy ferns less than one inch in length to stately tree ferns over 40 feet high, and inhabit areas varying from dry, barren lava flows to impenetrable rain jungles.
More primitive than flowering plants, ferns reproduce by means of small, dust-like bodies called spores. These spores are often carried in the air, and are so lightweight that they can be blown for thousands of miles by winds. ”

“ Much of what appears to be the trunk on these and many other ferns is in reality a useful mass of aerial roots which absorb moisture and protect the tree trunk from damage. These roots also offer a fertile place for seeds of many other plants to take root and grow. So common is it to find ohia trees growing on tree fern trunks that the ferns are often called mother of ohia. Unappreciative of the support given them in their early growth the trees often send roots to earth which become so large that the fern finally is killed. Much starch is present in the trunks of tree ferns. ”

“ The Psilotum is a primitive plant, of which two species are found in the Hawaiian Islands. One is the MOA, which usually grows on the ground and has stems which fork many times near the ends. The second, the PIPI, often grows upon the trunks of trees and ferns. This species normally grows perpendicular to the trunk, then curves abruptly earthward like the tail of a horse. ”

“ The ferns of Hawaii, or their ancestors, apparently reached these islands with the help of winds, except for those introduced recently by man.
HAWAII NATIONAL PARK
Hawaii National Park belongs to the American people. When it was set aside by Congress in 1916 the three volcanoes, Haleakala, Mauna Loa, and Kilauea were of principal interest. It has become increasingly apparent that the beautiful forests of native trees, the birds which depend upon Hawaiian plants for survival, and the magnificent fern jungles are of equal importance and more in need of protection. ”

“ 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. ”

“ Degener (2, p. 18) states that the MOA was used by the Hawaiians in making a medicine for treatment of a fungus disease, as an emetic, and that the spores were used as a powder to relieve chafing from the malo, or loincloth. ”

“ Kilauea Section, Hawaii National Park.
22
Ekaha or Birdnest Fern. M, (42) (pages 35 and 38) . The dark areas on undersurfaces are spores.
Cyclosorus sandwicensis. M, (36) (pages 35 and 38)
23
The Elephant-Tongue ferns: From the left, Elaphoglossum reticulatum, small form (31) , E. aemulum (28) , E. gorgoneum (29) , E. reticulatum, large form (28) , and E. hirtum (30) (pages 34 and 38) . All are called “EKAHA.” The dark surfaces are spores.
Palapalai. D&M, (13) (pages 32 and 37)
24
Iwaiwa. D, (49) (pages 35 and 38)
Asplenium contiguum. ”