This week, Hawaii showcases our esteemed hula Olympics, the exuberant Merrie Monarch Festival. One of the plants sacred to the art and history of hula is the magnificent fern palapalai (Microlepia strigosa), also known as palai or lace fern.
From lei po‘o (head garland) to lei ai (neck/shoulder garland) to lei kupee (wrist or ankle garland bracelet), palapalai lavishly adorns these devoted dancers. Palapalai leaflets provide primary material for lei wili (entwined method) or lei haku (braided method). The fern naturally bestows a dazzling botanical allure, but more important, it spiritually inspires, perpetuates and connects the dancer and the hula halau to their cultural art.
Palapalai is a kinolau (body form) of Hiiaka, a goddess benefactor to hula. The fern is also sacred to the goddess Laka, the deity of hula. Palapalai was proffered at the kuahu hula (hula altar) in ceremonial reverence.
This terrestrial fern is indigenous to Hawaii. It is widespread throughout Polynesia, and in Southeast Asia from Japan to Sri Lanka. In Hawaii palapalai grows in shaded, dry to slightly moist forest habitats, from sea level up to 5,800 feet.
Palapalai is a medium-size fern that grows up to 4 feet tall. Supple, hairy leaf fronds are light green when young, maturing into medium-dark green. Fronds display a triangular appearance and an elegant arching growth pattern. Roots are fibrous.
A fascinating use of palapalai by early Hawaiians was for the medicinal treatment of mental illness and insanity. Keiki were fed the viscous, young fronds, and people would bathe in an infusion of the fern.
Palapalai is one of my favorite plants in our island gardens. As a high ground cover, lavish accent or landscape centerpiece, this sensual fern displays a furling texture and resplendent image. Palapalai also thrives indoors, especially in the bathroom.
When I lived on Hawaii island, I frequently hiked our grandiose Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. One gorgeous day, after walking all morning, I needed a break. I selected a serene spot to rest and surveyed my surroundings. Majestic ohia trees towered over a landscape of lush palapalai. The ferns sparkled with the Hawaii sunshine that filtered down through the understory.
A breeze drifted by, initiating a graceful choreography of fern fronds. This palapalai hula was worthy of Laka.
———
Duane Choy is a native Hawaiian plant specialist. Reach him at HanaHou@ecologyfund.net.
