Circinate new growth on the Rough Tree Fern (Dicksonia squarrosa) near Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, New Zealand. Photographed on 12 November 2002.www.inaturalist.org/observations/54494734
Hpuu or Hpuu meuCibotiaceae (Tree fern family)Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (common on Oahu; uncommon to scattered on Molokai, Lnai, Maui and Hawaii Island)Aiea Loop Trail, OahuHawaiians, both long ago as well as in recent times, ate the uncoiled fronds (fiddles), which were considered delicious when boiled. Likely the starchy core of this species, as with hpuu pulu and hpuu ii, was used as an important famine food. One trunk may contain 50-70 pounds of almost pure starch and would have been used for human as well as pig consumption. It was prepared by peeling the young fronds or placing the entire trunk with the starchy center in an imu or in steam vents at the volcano.EtymologyThe generic name Cibotium is from the Greek kibotion, diminutive of kibotos, a box or casket, in reference to the indusium, a part of the fern blade that covers the sorus (spores).The specific name, chamissoi, named for Ludolf Karl Adelbert von Chamisso (1781-1838), French-born German explorer, naturalist, author, poet, and plant collector.NPH00017www.nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Cibotium_chamissoi
Prothallia-Bltter des Baumfarn "Cyathea cooperi" im ersten Stadium. 1 1/2 Jahre nach Aussaat der Sporen. Herkunft der Sporen: MadeiraProthallia-leaf of the tree-fern "Cyathea cooperi" (first stage). 1 1/2 year after sowing. Country of origin: Madeira
Hpuu or Hpuu puluCibotiaceaeEndemic to the Hawaiian IslandsOahu (Cultivated)The pulu, the soft woolly material around the base of the fronds, was used by early Hawaiians for dressing wounds and embalming bodies.Hawaiians, both long ago as well as more recent times, ate the uncoiled fronds (fiddles), which were considered delicious when boiled. The starchy core, though, was famine food. But it was considered the most important food in lean times and one trunk may contain 50-70 pounds of almost pure starch. It was prepared by peeling the young fronds or placing the entire trunk with the starchy center in an imu or in steam vents at the volcano. The saying was "He hpuu ka ai he ai make" (If the hpuu is the food, it is the food of death).This photo shows a hpuu pulu knocked over but still growing on its side. This survival method helped save many hpuu from perishing through a tough period in modern history. When was that time and what happened? Find out at the link below.NPH00006www.nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Cibotium_glaucum