Sphenomeris chinensis
| Sphenomeris chinensis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Tracheophyta (Subdivision Euphyllophytina) |
| Class: | Polypodiopsida |
| Order: | Polypodiales |
| Family: | Lindsaeaceae |
| Genus: | Sphenomeris |
| Species: | S. chinensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Sphenomeris chinensis (L.) Maxon | |
Sphenomeris chinensis, commonly called lace fern and in Hawaiian pala'ā, palae, or palapala'ā is also known by the alternative botanical name Odontosoria chinensis[1] Sphenomeris chinensis is a fern indigenous to Hawai'i, other parts of the tropics and sub-tropics. It is commonly found in forest openings and disturbed areas such as landslides, along trails or roads. It grows in moist, shady areas from sea level to an elevation of 4,000 feet.[2]
Uses
Hawaiians made red-brown dye from the old fronds. Pala'ā was used to treat "female ailments". It is made into a lei using the hili, or hilo technique - a braiding or plaiting method with only one type of plant material. It is also made into haku with other plants using the wili or winding method and a backing.[3]
References
- ↑ "Sphenomeris chinensis". Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database. Retrieved 26 September 2015.
- ↑ Growing plants for Hawaiian lei : 85 plants for gardens, conservation, and business. Honolulu: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. pp. 38–39. ISBN 1929325134.
- ↑ Bornhorst, Heidi Leianuenue (2005). Growing native Hawaiian plants : a how-to guide for the gardener. Honolulu: Bess Press. p. 63. ISBN 1573062073.
External links
- Growing Native Hawaiian Plants: A How-to Guide for the Gardener By Heidi Leianuenue Bornhorst (accessed September 25, 2015)
- Plants for Hawaiian Lei: Pala'ā (accessed September 25, 2015)