La`au Kanawalu Kumama`iwa.....89th Plant
Bracken or Kilau Fern
Pteridium aquilinum
The Bracken Fern is found throughout the world outside the
extreme polar latitudes, and too, at most elevations in Hawaii
except the coldest. This Kilau or Pai`a, as it's known in
Hawaiian, possesses underground runners that allow it to spread
and overrun open areas and pastures. Plant parts are bitter
but have been used as famine food and medicine in old Hawaii.
Kekahi La`au Aku NO
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