Common Laua’e Fern Microsorum scolopendria Common names can be confusing, and often the same common name is used for different plants or plant species. This is true for the common laua‘e fern in Hawaii. Microsorum scolopendria, the Australian species of “laua‘e“ has been in Hawaii for so long that many people think it’s the endemic Hawaiian Laua’e Fern, Microsorum spectrum. Somewhat confusingly, these two attractive fern species in Hawai‘i...
Selaginella willdenowii or Peacock Fern is often mistaken for a true fern but is actually a species of spikemoss. It derives its name from its iridescent blue leaves, which is attributed to an adaptive trait allowing it to withstand direct sunlight that would otherwise damage shade adapted plants. At HTBG, the Selaginella willdenowii lines many of our trails and can be found in it’s best display...
Alexandra PalmArchontophoenix alexandraeThe Alexandra palm is a towering feature at HTBG. Growing up to 40 feet with leaves about 6 to 7 feet long, these palm forests can't be missed. The palm is native to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, and naturalized here in Hawaii and parts of Florida. It prefers littoral rain forest and locations that receive heavy rain events. The ability to...
Breadfruit Breadfruit has long been a staple food source in the pacific. Originating in South Asia, it's believed to have spread through Oceania by early Polynesians, hence many people use the term Canoe Plant when referring to Breadfruit . Breadfruit, or Artocarpus altilis, is a member of...
Heliconia A genus of flowering plants in the monotypic family Heliconiaceae. There are 194 known species most of which are native to the tropical Americas, but a few are indigenous to certain islands of the western Pacific and Maluku. Many species of Heliconia are found in...
Elaeocarpus angustifolius This rainforest tree is native to Eastern Australia. While not featured in the main garden this tree grows on one of our neighboring properties not open to the public. The fruits are unmistakable due to their incredible color, it's no wonder the common name...