Tall Tonguefern: Hawaii’s Rare Native Epiphytic Beauty
Meet the tall tonguefern (Elaphoglossum alatum var. fauriei), a fascinating native Hawaiian fern that’s as rare as it is intriguing. This perennial beauty belongs to the diverse world of epiphytic ferns, making it quite different from the typical garden ferns you might be familiar with.
What Makes This Fern Special?
The tall tonguefern is a true Hawaiian native, found exclusively in the Hawaiian Islands. As its scientific name suggests, this variety was named after Faurie, likely honoring the botanist who first collected or studied it. What makes this fern particularly noteworthy is its classification as a forb—a non-woody vascular plant that lacks significant woody tissue above ground.
This fern is endemic to Hawaii, meaning you won’t find it growing naturally anywhere else in the world.
Conservation Alert: A Rare Treasure
Here’s something important every plant lover should know: the tall tonguefern has a Global Conservation Status of S3T3, indicating it’s quite rare. This means that while this fern exists, it’s not common and requires our attention for conservation.
If you’re interested in growing this species, it’s crucial to source it only from reputable nurseries that propagate it responsibly. Never collect plants from the wild—this helps protect the remaining natural populations.
Where Does It Grow?
In its natural habitat, the tall tonguefern typically grows in upland areas. Its wetland status is Facultative Upland, which means:
- It usually prefers non-wetland conditions
- It can occasionally tolerate wetland environments
- It’s quite adaptable to different moisture levels
Identifying Tall Tonguefern
As with many Elaphoglossum species, this fern likely features the characteristic tongue-like fronds that give the genus its common name. The fronds are typically simple (undivided) and have a leathery texture that helps them survive in epiphytic conditions.
You might also encounter this fern listed under its botanical synonym: Elaphoglossum fauriei.
Is It Right for Your Garden?
Given its rarity status and specific Hawaiian habitat requirements, the tall tonguefern isn’t typically available for home gardens. Most gardeners outside of Hawaii would find it challenging to provide the specific conditions this endemic species requires.
If you’re passionate about native Hawaiian plants and have experience with epiphytic ferns, you might consider reaching out to specialized native plant societies or botanical gardens for guidance. However, for most gardeners, choosing more readily available native ferns would be a more practical and environmentally responsible choice.
The tall tonguefern serves as a beautiful reminder of Hawaii’s unique plant diversity and the importance of protecting these irreplaceable natural treasures for future generations.
