KUPUKUPU

Description

This fern is indigenous to Hawaiï and is one of the first plants to appear on lava fields. Kupukupu is a medium-sized terrestrial or epiphytic fern with erect, narrow fronds 1-2 feet tall composed of many smaller pinnae, they are glossy and yellowish-green to dark green.

Kupukupu forms scaly tubers on its root system, the tubers store food and new ferns can develop from them. Kupukupu can tolerate most soil conditions but it grows best in a moist, well drained soil or medium Plant kupukupu in full sun or partial shade.

It was often used to decorate hula altars, symbolizing a place of learning or sprouting knowledge. The word "kupu" means "to sprout." The fronds also are used for making lei.