Microlepia strigosa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Microlepia strigosa
Microlepia strigosa var. strigosa
Scientific classification
Genus:	Microlepia
Species:	strigosa

Microlepia strigosa, also known as the hay-scented fern, lace fern, or palapalai, is a type of fern found in many warm, tropical places around the world. It grows naturally in the Hawaiian islands, India, and Malaysia. This fern is part of a larger group of about 70 different Microlepia species. It belongs to the bracken or hay-scented fern family, called Dennstaedtiaceae.

In Hawaii, there are two types of this fern that grow naturally, plus a mix of the two. This fern has rough, light to medium green leaves, called fronds. These fronds can grow to be over 3 feet (about 1 meter) long.

How People Use This Fern

Early Hawaiians, the first people of Hawaii, found many special uses for the palapalai fern. They used its beautiful fronds to decorate altars for Laka, the goddess of hula dancing.

Decorations and Clothing

The fern fronds were often woven into different types of lei (flower garlands). People made lei for their heads (lei poʻo), necks (lei ʻāʻī), and wrists (lei kūpeʻe). The soft fern fronds also provided a comfortable layer against the skin when worn.

Traditional Beliefs and Medicine

People in ancient Hawaii believed the palapalai fern had special healing powers. They thought it could help cure certain illnesses. The fern was also used in baths, and young, tender fern fronds were sometimes given to babies as food.