Sphenomeris chinensis
| Sphenomeris chinensis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Pteridophyta |
| 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, the Philippines, and 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. The subspecies in the Philippines, biflora, locally called tubho is sometimes elevated into a new species.[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. The Ivatan people of the Batanes islands in the Philippines dry and boil the plant in fresh water until the water turns dark brown to complete black. They consider it as a herbal tea for various health benefits such as better stamina and relief from fatigue.[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)