Plant Profile
Athyrium microphyllum
ʻĀkōlea
Main Plant Information
Genus
Athyrium
Species
microphyllum
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- ʻĀkōlea
Hawaiian Names
- Akolea
Plant Characteristics
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
No data available.
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
No data available.
Life Span
No data available.
Landscape Uses
No data available.
Plant Produces Flowers
No
Leaf Characteristics
Plant texture
No data available.
Pests and Diseases
Growth Requirements
Water Requirements
No data available.
Light Conditions
No data available.
Environmental Information
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
No data available.
Special Features and Information
Etymology
Hawaiian Names:
One source uses the name ʻAākōlea as a name for this species. [1]
Early Hawaiian Use
Food:
Base of stalk cooked and eaten like hāpu‘u. [1]
Lei:
Fronds were fashioned into lei. [1]
Medicinal:
Early Hawaiians used the young shoots and stems mixed with ʻōpae (shrimp), kalo (taro) leaves, and kukui nut meat, and served in poi as treatment for naoa‘ono‘ole (loss of appetite).
ʻĀkolea was also used in childbirth with kikawaiō ( Cyclosorus cyatheoides ) and kalo leaves. [1]
Additional References
[1] “Hawaiian Ethnobotany Online Database” http://data.bishopmuseum.org/ethnobotanydb [Accessed 1/30/13]
PHOTOS FOR THIS SPECIES CAN BE SEEN AT THE LINK (Copy & Paste to your browser):