“Meow.” - Gary the Snail⁣⁣ 🐌 ⁣⁣ Uluhe or False Staghorn Fern is an indigenous fern in Hawai'i. It has earned the nickname the “bandaid fern” for its role in mid-elevation rainforests. It sweeps and creeps through the forest, and climbs trees to a height of 20 feet or more without competition. In open areas, it creates a large, tangled mat.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Uluhe easily inhabits areas of previous ecological destruction, including new lava flows, making it one of our pioneer plants. It contributes a large amount of biomass in leaf litter to previously abiotic landscapes. Uluhe can be observed wide-spread throughout the Puna District. Have you seen this fern? ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Image: Close up of an unfurled young ‘Uluhe frond. NPS/ Michael Szoenyi⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ #nationalparkservice #hawaii #plantsofinstagram #upclose #naturephotography ⁣⁣ #fiddleheads