'Ama'u, Rasp fern, Amaumau fern
Sadleria cyatheoides
Family: Blechnaceae
What it is like
A fern. The trunk is stout. The leaves are twice divided. The rhizome is 1-1.6 m tall. The leaves are smooth and dark green. They are leathery. They are 25-170 cm long and 25-100 cm wide. The leaf stalk has narrow brown scales. The leaf blade is sword shape in outline. The leaves have a red tinge when young
There are 6 Sadleria species. They are in Hawaii.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It needs well watered, well drained soil and a bright shady location.
Countries/locations it is found in
Hawaii, Pacific, USA
How it is used for food
The young fronds can be cooked and eaten. The starch from the rhizome can be cooked and eaten. The plant is powdered and used to make a tea like drink.
Edible parts
Fronds, leaves, pith - starch
How it is grown
It is grown by spores.