The fronds of young ʻamaʻu ferns are a distinctive red color, eventually turning a glossy green as they mature. In addition to the unique red fronds, ʻamaʻu can also be distinguished from the similar-looking hāpuʻu tree ferns in that they are not as finely divided. The fern has a large role in Hawaiian folklore. The pig god Kamapuaʻa occasionally took the form of ʻamaʻu, and one translation of Halamaʻumaʻu, the crater in the heart of the caldera of Kīlauea, is 'house of the ʻamaʻu fern.' Ferns - Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (U.S. National Park Service) The sparse branches of this primitive plant reminded Hawaiians of birds’ feet and inspired its name, moa (chicken). Adaptable moa grows either on the forest floor or in the trees.