Bird Nest Fern

Tahitian names

'ō'aha (S)

Interesting facts

The 'ō'aha is present in all the Polynesian archipelagos. In Tetiaroa it is found on virtually all the motu. It is a type of fern that can be epiphyte, meaning it uses other plants as support. Otherwise, it can be saxicole; grows preferentially on rocks. In French Polynesia it is primarily used ornamentally. On other islands of the Pacific, such as the Vanuatu, it is used in traditional medicine.

Family

Aspleniaceae

Biogeographical status

Native

Life form

Fern

Abundance on Tetiaroa

Common

Ecosystem on Tetiaroa

mixed forest

sources & credits
legend

S: Society | T: Tuamotu | M: Marquesas | G: Gambier | A: Australs | FP: French Polynesia