Cibotium menziesii
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Cibotium menziesii | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Cibotium menziesii
|
||||||||||||||
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||
| Cibotium menziesii Hook. & Arn., 1844[1] |
Cibotium menziesii known commonly as the Hawaiian Tree Fern or Male Tree Fern[2] is a species of tree fern, of the genus Cibotium which is endemic to the islands of Hawaii. It is named after the Scottish naturalist Archibald Menzies.
Contents |
[edit] Biology
These ferns can grow up to 35 feet tall but usually averaging between 7 and 25 feet in height making it Hawaii's largest tree fern[2] also growing to almost 3 feet in diameter. The trunk is made of stiff hard fibres surrounding a starchy material in the centre[3]. The fronds as long as 12 feet[2] and the frond stem is covered in red or black bristles[3] though the fronds themselves are green with yellow midribs which are paler on the underside, The fronds are singularly divided but divide at the end where the spores form[2].
[edit] Reproduction
This species reproduces through the use of spores, which form at are released at the end of the fronds. For domestic and commercial reproduction, spores are collected from the lower fronds of the plant, which are heated, treated with water and kept under refrigerated conditions. Also the side shoots off the main trunk are viable and need to be cut close to the trunk.[2].
[edit] Habitat
The habitat of this species is damp forest areas, usually at elevations varying between 1,000 and 6,000 feet. They can grown on the ground or epiphytically, growing on trees.[3] The species is endemic to the Hawaiian islands and is found on all the Hawaiian windward islands. It is also very adaptable and despite its origin, it can withstand long cool winters even without fronds, little heat is needed to stimulate new growth.[4] Due to the non native invasive species in Hawaii, the nursery trade, the use of the plant for decoration or as pots and the effect of feral boars, the population is being decreased at an alarming rate.[3]
[edit] Uses
This plant has many uses, some parts are used as food, others as medicinal or herbal remedies and is also used in other ways.
[edit] Food
The starchy core of the trunk can be cooked (often stewed) and eaten, as was a staple food during times of famine. This part of the trunk is sought out by feral pigs which have escaped from farming installations and is subsequently damaging the population of tree fern.[5].
[edit] Medicine
The pith of the trunk is used in a combination of other Hawaiian plants to create a 'blood purifier', and is used in other combinations to help relieve weakness or chest pains. Heated fibres of the fronds are used to cure numerous bodily ailments such as muscle pain, stiff joints etc.[5]
[edit] Other uses
The pulu (the frond fibres) were also used in preparation for burial as they will absorb the body fluids. This is still used in traditional burials. These same fibres are also used in traditionally made pillows which are also sold as souvenirs on the islands.[5] The trunk is sometimes hollowed out and used as a planting pot.[3]
Local residents call Cibotium menziesii the male tree fern, with Cibotium glaucum being referred to as the female tree fern due to the colour differences between the two and the similarities.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ New Zealand plants of the world website, Retrieved on July 13, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database. Hawaiian Department of Education. Retrieved on 2007-07-13.
- ^ a b c d e f Hawaiian Tree Ferns. Hilozoo. Retrieved on 2007-07-13.
- ^ The Hardy Eucalyptus and Ferns Page, Retrieved on July 13, 2007.
- ^ a b c Bishops Museum. Bishops Museum. Retrieved on 2007-07-13.
