Fragrant fern spotted thriving on Hawaii's rainy coastline
iNaturalist: breadcoot
Native Plants
If you've ever brushed against a fern that smelled faintly musky or spicy, you may have met this species, a plant Pacific Islanders have long tucked into leis and thatch for its scent as much as its looks.
Someone out walking near Laupahoehoe Point on the Big Island noticed a fern with a distinctive musky smell and snapped a photo for iNaturalist. Other users confirmed the identification, making it a verified, research-grade record. This fern, native to parts of the Pacific and Asia, has become widespread in Hawaii's wet coastal forests.
Key Findings
Observation location: Laupahoehoe Point Road, Laupāhoehoe, Hawaii, US
Species identified: Musk Fern (Microsorum grossum)
Record status: confirmed as research-grade through community identification consensus
chevron_right Technical Summary
A citizen scientist documented a musk fern growing along Laupahoehoe Point Road on Hawaii's Big Island, with the sighting verified as research-grade by other iNaturalist users.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
Musk Fern (Microsorum grossum) observed in Laupahoehoe Point Rd, Laupāhoehoe, HI, US
Research-grade observation of Musk Fern in Laupahoehoe Point Rd, Laupāhoehoe, HI, US.
open_in_new Read full abstractAbstract copyright held by the original publisher.
Species Mentioned
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Microsorum scolopendria, synonym Phymatosorus scolopendria, commonly called monarch fern, musk fern, maile-scented fern, breadfruit fern, or wart fern is a species of fern within the family Polypodiaceae. This fern grows in the wild in the Western Pacific rim from Australia to New Caledonia to Fi...