I drew Hapu’u Ferns for Inktober day 8. Using Laulima Hawaii’s prompt list.

I only drew the leaves here in this piece, so you can’t really tell what a large fern Hapu’u is. These fern trees can grow up to 30 ft tall! From my memory, they are also very hairy plants. The fronds are covered in what looks like orangutan fur. My Popo had many ferns in her garden. She used the fibrous Hapu’u trunks to plant orchids.

We had a Hapu’u planted near our lanai when we moved into our home. It eventually reached the roof and we got rid of it. Then, little fire ants became a problem here on Oahu and lots of people lost their Hapu’u, including at my parents house. Now I regret losing mine – they are harder to replace and you just don’t see them anymore. Ants drive me crazy though, so maybe it’s better this way.