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Kupukupu Fern: N. Exaltata, But Kupukupu
Kupukupu Fern: N. Exaltata, But Kupukupu
Sept. 2008
OF-43
Kupukupu Fern
Kent Sadanaga and Kent Kobayashi
Characteristics
K upukupu fern, Nephrolepis cordifolia (L.) C. Presl.,
is in the sword fern family (Nephrolepidaceae). It is
also called sword fern, narrow sword fern, tuberous sword
Kupukupu is a medium-sized terrestrial or epiphytic fern
with erect, narrow fronds 1–2 feet tall composed of many
fern, erect sword fern, fishbone fern, and, in Hawaiian, smaller pinnae (frondlets) about 1–11 ⁄2 inches long. It has
‘ökupukupu and ni‘ani‘au. Earlier names given it by bota- stolons that spread out across the surface of the soil or
nists are Polypodium cordifolium L., Aspidium tuberosum growth medium and may climb trees or tree ferns.
Bory, and Nephrolepis tuberosa (Bory) C. Presl. Kupukupu is sometimes mistaken for its close relative,
This hardy fern is indig the common Boston fern,
enous to Hawai‘i and is one N. exaltata, but kupukupu
of the first plants to appear has stiff, narrower fronds
on lava fields. It is common and forms scaly tubers on
on all the main Hawaiian its root system. The most
Islands in dry to wet forests distinguishing characteristic
and lava fields, and it is of this fern is that it is the
found throughout the tropics only Nephrolepis species
(South America, Mexico, in Hawai‘i to have under-
Asia, and the South Pacific) ground tubers that develop
in similar environments. on the stolons; the tubers
At least five Nephrolepis store food, and new ferns
species are found in the can develop from them.
wild in Hawai‘i. Of these, The fronds are 12–28
only two are native: the inches long and 2–21 ⁄2 inches
indigenous N. cordifolia de wide and may be erect or
scribed in this publication, drooping. They follow a
and another, larger, endemic narrow, linear, and gener
plant, N. exaltata subspecies ally uniform profile, except
hawaiiensis. The other three at their bases and tips. They
species are naturalized alien are glossy and yellowish
plants that may become in green to dark green. The
vasive. They can hybridize frond petioles are a tenth to
with the native species and an eighth of the frond length
thereby alter their genetic and have dark brown centers
makeup. with tan margins. The con-
Published by the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) and issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in coopera-
tion with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Andrew G. Hashimoto, Director/Dean, Cooperative Extension Service/CTAHR, University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96822.
An equal opportunity/affirmative action institution providing programs and services to the people of Hawai‘i without regard to race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, dis-
ability, marital status, arrest and court record, sexual orientation, or status as a covered veteran. CTAHR publications can be found on the Web site <http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/freepubs>.
UH–CTAHR Kupukupu Fern OF-43 — Sept. 2008
vex pinnae are oblong, narrow, and either heart-shaped climatic conditions, has moderate wind resistance, and
or with the upper lobe longer. They are up to 1 inch long tolerates occasional drought, but it is not salt tolerant.
by 1 ⁄3 inch wide (ranging from two to six times longer Supplemental irrigation may be needed to keep the soil
than wide), and they often become deciduous with age. or medium moist. Do not allow the fern to sit in standing
Raised, bean-shaped sori (clusters of sporangia) are found water, or it will turn yellow and defoliate.
on the underside of mature pinnae (frond leaflets), aligned Light fertilizer applications can be beneficial. Supple
in rows toward the outer edge. mental nitrogen will help reduce yellowing of the leaves
and encourage stem and leaf growth. If using a com
Horticulture plete N-P-K (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) fertilizer,
Kupukupu is hardy and can tolerate most soil conditions, follow the instructions on the label and be sure not to
but it grows best in a moist, well drained soil or medium, over-fertilize. Excessive fertilizer can lead to a damag
such as volcanic cinder or cinder-soil mixtures. Opti ing accumulation of salinity in the medium. Fertilizers
mum pH of the medium is slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5) with a higher level of nitrogen are recommended, such
to neutral (pH 7.0). as the Nutricote® 18-6-8 controlled-release formulation.
The fern grows well in full sun and partial shade. This particular fertilizer is commonly used in nurseries
Indoors, it can be kept on partially lit windowsills with where ferns are propagated.
fluorescent or incandescent lighting as a supplemental Occasional thinning and removal of dead or old
light source. In the wild, it is found in areas with tem fronds can be beneficial in encouraging air circulation
peratures from 40 to 90°F and at elevations from 10 to throughout the plant canopy, thereby aiding healthy plant
4000 feet above sea level. It tolerates a range of soil and growth.
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UH–CTAHR Kupukupu Fern OF-43 — Sept. 2008