Ekaha: Hawaii’s Beautiful Native Tongue Fern
Meet ekaha (Elaphoglossum hirtum), one of Hawaii’s most distinctive native ferns that’s perfect for adding authentic island charm to your shaded garden spaces. Also known as maku`e, this perennial beauty has been gracing Hawaiian forests for centuries and can bring that same natural elegance to your landscape.
A True Hawaiian Native
Ekaha is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, meaning you won’t find this special fern growing naturally anywhere else in the world. It’s a genuine piece of Hawaiian botanical heritage that grows exclusively in Hawaii, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to cultivate authentic native plants.
What Makes Ekaha Special
This isn’t your typical delicate fern. Ekaha is known for its distinctive tongue-shaped fronds that are thick and leathery, covered in beautiful brown scales that give it a unique fuzzy appearance. The scientific name hirtum actually means hairy in Latin, referring to these characteristic scales that make the fern so visually interesting.
As an epiphytic species, ekaha naturally grows on other plants in the wild, though it can adapt beautifully to ground-level garden settings with the right conditions.
Perfect for Shade Gardens
If you’re struggling with what to plant in those shadowy corners of your tropical or subtropical garden, ekaha might be your answer. This fern thrives in:
- Deep to partial shade conditions
- Humid environments
- Areas with consistent moisture but good drainage
- USDA hardiness zones 10-12
It has a Facultative Upland wetland status, meaning it usually prefers non-wetland conditions but can tolerate some moisture – perfect for those in-between spots in your garden.
Garden Design Ideas
Ekaha works wonderfully in several landscape styles:
- Native Hawaiian gardens: Pair it with other indigenous plants for an authentic island ecosystem
- Tropical shade gardens: Creates beautiful texture contrast with broader-leafed plants
- Rock gardens: Plant in crevices or on elevated areas to mimic its natural epiphytic habitat
- Container gardens: Excellent for shaded patios and lanais
Growing Ekaha Successfully
While specific propagation details for this species are still being studied, here are the key growing conditions that will help your ekaha thrive:
- Light: Bright, indirect light or dappled shade – avoid direct sunlight
- Moisture: Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged
- Humidity: High humidity is essential – consider using a humidifier or grouping with other plants
- Soil: Well-draining, organic-rich soil that mimics forest floor conditions
- Temperature: Warm, tropical conditions year-round
A Living Piece of Hawaiian Heritage
By choosing to grow ekaha, you’re not just adding a beautiful plant to your garden – you’re helping preserve and celebrate Hawaii’s unique botanical heritage. This perennial fern represents millions of years of evolution in isolation, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind species that deserves a place in every Hawaiian native plant enthusiast’s collection.
Whether you call it ekaha or maku`e, this remarkable fern offers gardeners a chance to connect with Hawaii’s natural history while creating stunning, low-maintenance shade garden displays that will impress visitors and provide habitat for local wildlife.
