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    Indigenous
    (Found In Hawai'i
    and Elsewhere)
    Common Name:'Ēkaha (ehh-ka-ha)
    Bird's Nest Fern

    Bird's Nest Fern
    Scientific:Asplenium nidus
    Size:2 to 4 ft fronds
    Uses:Woven mats
    Habitat:Sea level to 2,500 ft

    The 'Ēkaha, or Bird's Nest Fern is one of the more unusual ferns that grows on the Big Island. Whereas most ferns in Hawai'i tend to grow from the ground, Bird's Nest Ferns tend to grow in the crooks of trees - though can also appear on the ground. Many people don't realize they are walking below these fantastic and beautiful ferns.

    A single fern frond is from 2 to 4 feet in length. The fronds grow outward from a center point making the entire plant about 6 to 7 feet wide and about 4 feet high. Often older brown leaves droop beneath the 'nest' - another tell-tail sign.

    There are a number of places where you can see Bird's Nest Ferns on the Big Island. Akaka Falls has a few in the trees, and the Lava Tree Park in Puna has at least one Bird's Nest near the beginning of the walk. However, the overall best place to see the Bird's Nest Fern is the Honolulu Landing to Kumukahi Lighthouse Scenic Drive. About in the middle of the drive you can see countless examples of Bird's Nest in the trees above you - truely spectacular.


    A wonderful fern

    Learn More About Hawai'i Ferns In These Books
    cover
    Ferns of Hawai'i
    cover
    Hawai'i's Ferns
    and Fern Allies

    Bird's Nest on a Limb


    Don't Forget To Look Up!


    Tree With Bird's Nest

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