The only one I'm familiar with is called Laua'e fern. Like many Hawaii residents, I have it planted all around the perimeter of my home.

Laua'e has a delicate, sweet fragrance, but it's mysteriously elusive. For example, if you lifted a leaf to your nose, you wouldn't smell a thing. But certain times of the day, you can walk by and, without even trying, get a good whiff of the beautiful fragrance. But sniff again, and it's gone! I don't know why this is, but I noticed that early morning and early evening are the most likely times to smell it, especially after a light rain.

For a photo, try this link:
http://kms.kapalama.ksbe.edu/projects/2003/plants/lauaefern/

Aloha,
Devra

Devra thank you. And thanks for the link. Its beautiful.

Devra
I don't seem to be able to find it for sale here on the mainland, or even over the web. Is it available there?

Yes, it's sold in 4-inch square pots at all of our nurseries and Home improvement stores. Even the local Walmart sells it in their garden section.

I've never seen it anywhere but in Hawaii. I visit San Diego frequently and see many tropicals being grown successfully, but I've never seen laua'e fern in someone's yard. Too bad, because I think it would do well in the damp coastal areas like Point Loma.

Aloha, Devra

Hi all,

The Laua'e fern is available from Aloha Tropicals on line. Scroll to near the bottom of the page on the link below to see the plant. It is a beautiful fern, and after Devra's description of the plant and fragrance-I'll have to plant one this spring!

Here is a link that might be useful: Laua'e Fern

If you haven't found the fern yet try asking on the tropicals forum. Spectre says he has one in his garden and may be able to tell you where he got it.

i just bought one of these :)
it smells like cinnamon sugar cookies...

-ming

It's sometimes called Wart Fern and another close relative is the one called Kangaroo fern.
I first found out about this fern in a book on Hawaiian lei making.
kevin