[4] Its Hawaiian name lauaʻe[5] is thought to have originally referred to the native fern Microsorum spectrum.

[6] The scientific name M. scolopendria has been misapplied to Microsorum grossum (and their synonyms in Phymatosorus).

[7] When crushed, the fern issues a scent similar to maile.

[6] Sometimes, pieces of the fern are interlaced in leis made of strung-up keys (individual drupes) of the pandanus fruit.

[8][9] Expanses of the fern famously grows in Makana on Kauaʻi, and is commemorated in song.