Sadleria cyatheoides

Sadleria cyatheoides, commonly known as amaumau fern or amau, is a fern species in the family Blechnaceae.

Description

Reaching a height of and a trunk diameter of, amau resembles a small tree fern.
The young fronds are often tinged red to block harmful sunlight.

Distribution and habitat

It is endemic to Hawaii and inhabits lava flows, open areas, and wet forests on all major islands up to an altitude of.

Uses

Its pith and young fronds are edible either roasted or steamed.

In culture

Kīlauea's Halemaʻumaʻu is named for this species.