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Hawai'I birdnest fern
Scientific Name: Asplenium nidus
Family: Aspleniaceae
Category: Fern
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
The Bird's Nest Fern, scientifically known as Asplenium nidus, is an intriguing fern species found in various tropical regions.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is a common houseplant choice.
Considerations for Children
- This plant is a common houseplant choice.
Common Names
- Scientific Name: Asplenium nidus
- Common Names: Bird's Nest Fern, Hawai'i Birdnest Fern, 'Ekaha (Hawaiian), Birdnest Fern, Hawai`i Birdnest Spleenwort, Pakpak-lauin (Philippine)
- Other Language Names: Asplenio (Italian), Fougre doradille (French), Fugleredebregne (Danish)
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Family: Aspleniaceae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Synonym: Hawai'i Birdnest Fern
- Taxonomic Status: Accepted
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Hawai'i and other tropical wet lowland areas of the Pacific and South-Eastern Asia.
- Present in Oceania.
- Epiphytic species, often rooting itself to trees.
- Observed growing on coconut palm trees in Hawai'i.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Perennial forb/herb (non-woody plant that is not a grass).
- Grows in a rosette shape with fronds growing from a central point.
- Evergreen during spring, summer, autumn, and winter, maintaining a green color.
- Adult specimens reach a medium size, around 1 foot.
Quirky Facts
- In Hawai'i, the juice of 'ekaha leaf shoots was historically mixed with other plants to treat general weakness and mouth ailments.
Further Information
- USDA PLANTS database
- EOL Encyclopedia of Life
- Dave's Garden
- Palmer, Daniel D., Hawai'i's Ferns and Fern Allies. Honolulu: UH Press, 2003.