Ferns and Lycophytes of the Hawaiian Islands is the much-anticipated revised edition of the landmark reference book Hawaiʻi’s Ferns and Fern Allies by Daniel D. Palmer, published in 2003.

The first edition of this book was the foremost comprehensive survey of the native and naturalized pteridophytes in Hawai‘i. Based on extensive fieldwork, studies of herbarium collections worldwide, and consultations with pteridologists, local ecologists, and collectors, the book provided the essential scientific basis for a new, worldwide appreciation of Hawai‘i’s unique ferns and lycophytes, sparking major efforts to protect and conserve them.

This new edition, coauthored by Miles K. Thomas, builds on Palmer’s highly regarded original work with updates to nomenclature and insights from genetic research that bring it into the framework of modern pteridology. It covers all known endemic, indigenous, and naturalized ferns and lycophytes (including rare and endangered taxa) in Hawaiʻi. Comprehensive taxonomic keys and an easy-to-use identification guide allow readers to effortlessly distinguish between the vast array of species in the islands. Ferns and Lycophytes of the Hawaiian Islands provides dichotomous keys, basionyms, an updated list of synonyms, technical descriptions and distributions, a glossary of technical terms, an illustrated glossary, statistical information, and an updated explanation of the fern life cycle. More than 120 line drawings illustrate most of the 230 species, varieties, and forms treated in this book.

In addition to many taxonomic updates, this volume places pteridophytes more firmly in the context of Hawaiʻi and its history, offering new sections on ferns in Hawaiian ecosystems and fern uses in Hawaiian culture. It includes information from Hawaiian folklore and mythology, describes how ferns are situated across Hawaiʻi’s various ecosystem types, and updates Hawaiian common names.

Friendly to scholars and hobbyists alike, this well-researched and accessible book is a must-have reference for fern lovers worldwide and anyone who wishes to learn more about Hawaiian flora.

• Daniel D. Palmer, Author

  Dr. Daniel D. Palmer (1930–2024), a distinguished dermatologist, authored Hawai‘i’s Ferns and Fern Allies (2003). An avid field biologist, he published several taxonomic papers on Hawaiian ferns, including reviews of the genera Sadleria and Cibotium. He was author or coauthor of more than twenty newly published names for Hawaiian ferns, including those of seven new taxa.

• Miles K. Thomas, Author

  Miles K. Thomas is a botanist with the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum and a field technician with the Plant Extinction Prevention Program (Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit) on O‘ahu.