Sadleria, or `ama`u

The `ama`u are small tree ferns endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. There are six species, all of which comprise the genus Sadleria, first described in 1824: Sadleria cyatheoides, Sadleria pallida, Sadleria souleyetiana, Sadleria squarrosa, Sadleria unisora, and Sadleria wagneriana. They are distributed across all of the islands, except for the latter two species, which are only found on the island of Kauaʻi.

Worldwide distribution of Sadleria species:

Sadleria form a single trunk, and may reach up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall, with fronds betweem one and three meters (3 to 10 feet) in length. They are smaller than the other Hawaiian endemic tree ferns, hāpu'u (Cibotium).

Unlike the other genera of tree ferns, Sadleria are a member of the Blechnaceae family and are more closely related to Blechnum.

Sadleria should be grown in well-drained, mineral-rich soil, and protected from frost. Care should be taken when transplanting Sadleria, as the genus is sensitive to root disturbance.

Click here for Sadleria in the the Encyclopedia of Life.

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