Maidenhair Fern Aloha Shirt

The ‘Iwa‘iwa Fern (Maidenhair fern) depicted in this print is a small, beautiful native Hawaiian plant, and a vibrant understory member of a thriving Hawaiian forest community. These shade and water-loving plants grow best in the lush mountains and valleys, cliffs and stream beds, and in the shelter (or the understory) of the forest.

This print and colorway is dedicated to the Understory Alliance, an education and conservation nonprofit organization based on Kauai‘i that grows Māla Lā‘au, community forest gardens, in public spaces. Its name comes from the understory, the layer beneath the forest canopy, where we live and where community thrives.

Each Māla Lā‘au is planted in layers in the same way a forest builds itself. Featuring diverse plants that grow together in parks, school grounds, and shared community spaces. The plants included are native, canoe, food, and medicinal. This non-profit community encourages community participation.

To get involved, join a workday. Gather food. Bring your ‘ohana, meet up with friends. Take a moment alone. If you think a forest garden belongs in your community, reach out to them. They would love to hear from you. Understory Alliance is working toward a forest garden in every community that wants one.

They teach workshops, partner with organizations, and keep finding new places to plant. Bringing the forest to the people, one Māla Lā‘au at a time.
To learn more about them and how you can be a part of their mission, visit them online at: www.understoryalliance.org