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hapu'u li
Scientific Name: Cibotium menziesii
Family: Dicksoniaceae
Category: Fern
Growth: Tree
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Cibotium menziesii
Cibotium menziesii is known by several common names, including Hapu'u, Hapu'u I'i, Hapu'u Li, and Hawaiian Tree Fern.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant develops like a fern and has a short stem.
Considerations for Children
- Years ago, dried Hapu'u fronds were used to build forts in the rain forest.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Dicksoniaceae
- Synonyms: Dicksonia menziesii (Hook.) Hook. & Baker
- Taxonomic Status: Accepted
Distribution and Habitat
- Cibotium menziesii is endemic to the islands of Hawai'i.
- Not native to California.
- Common in wet forests from 1,000 to 6,000 feet in elevation.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- It is a perennial tree fern, meaning it lives for more than two years.
- It exhibits a tree growth habit.
- Develops like a fern with a short stem and a small, roundish crown.
Quirky Facts
- One 11th-grader from Hawaii relied on dried-up Hapu'u fronds to build forts in the rain forest.
Ecological Role
- Pigs can cause damage to Hapu'u in their native habitat.
Further Information
- USDA PLANTS Database: Information and documentation are available.
- Pronouncekiwi: Audio pronunciation of "Hapu'u li" is available.
- CalPhotos: Provides a collection of photos.
- Starr Environmental: Forest and Kim Starr have documented this species.