kids encyclopedia robot

Amaumau fern facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Amaumau fern
Starr 081014-0250 Sadleria cyatheoides.jpg
Conservation status

Vulnerable (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Synonyms
  • Blechnum fontanesianum Gaudich.
  • Blechnum kaulfussianum Gaudich.
  • Blechnum cyatheoides (Kaulf.) Christenh.
  • Woodwardia cyatheoides (Kaulf.) Mett.

Sadleria cyatheoides, commonly known as amaumau fern or ʻamaʻu, is a fern species in the family Blechnaceae, in the eupolypods II clade of the order Polypodiales, in the class Polypodiopsida. It is endemic to Hawaii and inhabits lava flows, open areas, and wet forests on all major islands up to an altitude of 1,676 m (5,499 ft). Reaching a height of 0.9–1.5 m (3.0–4.9 ft) and a trunk diameter of 7.5–10 cm (3.0–3.9 in), ʻamaʻu resembles a small tree fern. Kīlauea's Halemaʻumaʻu is named for this species.

Description

The young fronds are often tinged red to block harmful rays from the sun.

kids search engine
Amaumau fern Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.