Laua'e

English name:

Maile-Scented Fern

Scientific name:

Polypodium Phymatodes

'Ōlelo Noʻeau: 

#1433 - Ka laua‘e ‘ala o Kalalau. Fragrant laua‘e ferns of Kalalau. Makana and Kalalau, on Kaua'i, were noted for growth and fragrance of laua‘e ferns - Puku‘i, ‘Ōlelo No‘eau

Habitat:

 This post-contact naturalized species is abundant in gardens and disturbed areas; from beaches to shaded mesic lowland forests and windswept ridges between 0–610 m-Bishop Museum

Propagation: Laua‘e can thrive in garden soil, potting mix, or uncut moss that is well-drained; moist to moist/dry. Lighting should be medium to high-bishop museum

Uses:Used to scent tapa cloths-Buck, Arts & Crafts of Hawaii “Used for hula altars (kuahu) and as hula adornment (Pukui 1942), scenting kapa and for lei (Valier 1995:34–35)”