Called “fiddleheads” for their fiddle-like look as they open, the seedpods of Hawaii’s giant ferns are truly interesting.
On close inspection you’ll find fiddleheads use a repeating pattern. From the inside out, they first roll up the tender seeds toward a stalk. Then that stalk rolls up toward a larger stalk, which finally rolls up into the main ferm stock.
This clever pattern gives the fern’s young safety and makes for a beautiful display.
This fern was photographed in the tropical forest near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.