Old World Forkedfern: A Hawaiian Native Fern Worth Knowing About
If you’re fascinated by native Hawaiian plants and have a thing for ferns, you might have stumbled across the name Dicranopteris linearis var. maxima, commonly known as the Old World forkedfern. This perennial fern represents one of nature’s more specialized varieties, though it’s admittedly not the easiest plant to find information about – or likely to find at your local garden center!
What Exactly Is the Old World Forkedfern?
Despite what its growth habit description might suggest (calling it a forb herb), this is definitely a fern – part of that ancient group of plants that reproduce via spores rather than flowers or seeds. The Old World forkedfern is a perennial, meaning it comes back year after year, and it’s native to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands.
This fern falls into that category of vascular plants without significant woody tissue above ground. Think of it as having a more herbaceous, soft-stemmed nature rather than the tough, woody stems you’d see on shrubs or trees.
Where Does It Call Home?
The Old World forkedfern is exclusively native to Hawaii, making it a true island endemic variety. You won’t find this particular variety growing wild anywhere else in the United States – it’s a special piece of Hawaiian botanical heritage.
Should You Grow This Fern?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While this native Hawaiian fern sounds intriguing, there’s remarkably little specific information available about this particular variety when it comes to cultivation. This could mean a few things:
- It might be quite rare or specialized in its habitat requirements
- It may not be commonly cultivated outside its native range
- It could be a variety that’s primarily of botanical interest rather than horticultural appeal
The Reality of Growing Rare Varieties
Without specific information about growing conditions, hardiness zones, care requirements, or even basic details about its appearance and size, attempting to cultivate Dicranopteris linearis var. maxima would be quite challenging. This is one of those plants that falls into the botanical curiosity category rather than the reliable garden performer group.
If you’re drawn to native Hawaiian ferns for your garden, you might want to explore other Hawaiian native species that are better documented and more readily available through responsible native plant sources.
Supporting Native Plant Conservation
While we can’t provide a growing guide for this particular variety, its existence reminds us of the incredible diversity of plant life that calls Hawaii home. Many Hawaiian native plants face challenges from habitat loss and competition from non-native species, making every native variety – even the obscure ones like this forkedfern – important pieces of the ecological puzzle.
If you’re interested in Hawaiian native plants, consider supporting local botanical gardens, native plant societies, and conservation efforts that work to preserve and study these unique species. Sometimes the most valuable plants are the ones we admire from afar while supporting their conservation in their natural habitats.
