Kupukupu
Names
- ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi: Kupukupu
- Scientific: Nephrolepis cordifolia
Species Information
Kupukupu is a medium-sized fern. This fern acts as a pioneer species, representing one of the first plants to grow from lava fields. Kupukupu is one of five Nephrolepis species and native with only one other of those five species (UH CTAHR). The fronds of this fern are green, grow up to two feet long, and are shaped to resemble fish bones. The shape of the fronds explains common names such as fishbone fern or sword fern (Native Plants Hawaiʻi). Kupukupu fern is sometimes used in hula or placed on hula altars (Pukui 1942, via Bishop Museum).
Distribution
Kupukupu is found across the main Hawaiian Islands.
Habitat
Kupukupu is found in mesic to wet forests (Native Plants Hawaiʻi).
Photos
References & Additional Resources
Bishop Museum: Plants of Hawaiʻi: Nephrolepis cordifolia
University of Hawaiʻi College of Agriculture and Human Resources (UH CTAHR): Kupukupu fern, https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/OF-43.pdf
Native Plants Hawaiʻi, University of Hawaiʻi: http://nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Nephrolepis_cordifolia/