Plant Profile
Pteris hillebrandii
Main Plant Information
Genus
Pteris
Species
hillebrandii
Common Names
- Hillebrand’s brake
- Hillebrand’s brake fern
Synonyms
- Pteris cretica var. decurrens
- Pteris irregularis var. linearis
Names with Unknown Sources
- Hillebrand’s brake fern
Plant Characteristics
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Non-Woody, Clumping
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Fern/Fern-like, Short, Less than 1
- Fern/Fern-like, Medium, 1 to 3
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Container
- Ground Cover
- Hanging Basket
- Specimen Plant
Additional Landscape Use Information
Though not an exceptionally fast growing fern, Hillebrand’s brake fern is easy to grow and thrives under shady and moist conditions. Periodically, it can be divided into several plants or an be left to form show case plants. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Plant Produces Flowers
No
Leaf Characteristics
Plant texture
- Medium
Leaf Colors
- Dark Green
- Medium Green
Pests and Diseases
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Occasionally, thrips, mealybugs, and scale have been noticed on the fronds.
Growth Requirements
Fertilizer
Little fertilizer needs. Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer every six months or as directed. Appreciates foliar feeding of kelp or fish emulsion once a month. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Water Requirements
- Moist
Light Conditions
- Partial sun
- Shade
Soils
- Cinder
- Organic
Limitations
Does not do well in dry conditions and can completely die off if not watered regularly.
Environmental Information
Natural Range
- Kauaʻi
- Oʻahu
- Molokaʻi
- Lānaʻi
- Maui
- Hawaiʻi
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- 1000 to 1999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 2000 to 2999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 3000 to 3999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
- 4000 to 4999, 50 to 100 (Mesic)
Habitat
- Terrestrial
Additional Habitat Information
An uncommon endemic fern in mesic forests from around 1200 to 4000 feet.
Special Features and Information
General Information
Brake ferns ( Pteris spp.) belong to Pteridaceae, one of the largest fern families. Hillebrand’s brake fern ( Pteris hillebrandii ) is one of five (2 indigenous; 3 endemic) species native to the Hawaiian Islands.
Etymology
The generic name Pteris is from the Greek pteris , fern, from pteron , wing, feather, in reference to the frond shape. An ancient name for ferns in general.
The specific epithet hillebrandii is named in for William Hillebrand (1821-1886), a young Prussian physician and plant collector. He planted many of the plants he collected at Queen’s Hospital and on his own property in Nuʻuanu. After moving back to Germany the property was sold to his neighbors Thomas & Mary Foster. Today, it is known as the Foster Botanical Gardens.
Hawaiian Names:
There are no known Hawaiian or vernacular (common) names for this species. But Hillebrand’s brake fern, an apropos name of an unknown source, has been used.
Background Information
This Pteris is currently considered as an endemic species, but it is probable that this species is a hybrid of ʻōali Pteris cretica (indigenous) and mānā P. irregularis (endemic).*
There are also two naturalized species. The ubiquitous, often weedy, Chinese brake fern or Ladder brake ( Pteris vittata ) can be found growing in many residential yards, usually coming up as a volunteer plant, and some times even intentionally cultivated by the homeowners.
- Also called ʻae, ʻāhewa (Oʻahu), ʻiwa puakea (Maui)
Early Hawaiian Use
None known.
Modern Use
This wonderful fern adds a unique texture in the landscape in shady or part sunny areas especially among other ferns or as part of the understory of larger shrubs and small trees. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Additional References
PHOTOS FOR THIS SPECIES CAN BE SEEN AT THE LINK (Copy & Paste to your browser):