Sphenomeris chinensis, commonly called lace fern and in Hawaiian pala'ā, palae, or palapala'ā is also known by the alternative botanical name Odontosoria chinensis Sphenomeris chinensis is a fern indigenous to Hawai'i, the Philippines, and other parts of the tropics and sub-tropics. It is commonly found in forest openings and disturbed areas such as landslides, along trails or roads. It grows in moist, shady areas from sea level to an elevat