Kupukupu

Kupukupu is commonly known as the Sword fern or Fishtail fern. In the Hawaiian language, Kupukupu is the reduplication of the word kupu, which means "to surge forth, or sprout" as in the length of the plant, and in the inner meaning to grow in knowledge. This fern is also known as: Bayabang (Philippines), Tama-shida (Japan) and Wu gong cao (China).

Kupukupu is a perennial evergreen fern that can be found sprawling across the landscape or crawling up rocks and trees. It has a unique system of underground tubers in which the plant can store its own nourishment and from which it can reproduce. Its mature height and spread can reach 2 -3 feet high and 2 to 3 inches wide. The leaves (fronds) are comprised of multiple smaller wavy, crisp to touch pinnae (frondlets) that are about 1 to 1½ inches in length and ¼ inces in width.

Kupukupu can grow in full sun. They need space around them in order to branch out.

Traditional Cultural and Medicinal Usages

• Kupukupu was offered on the altar of Laka, goddess of hula, for growth in knowledge
• Also used in making lei