Polypodium glycyrrhiza have random placement, originating at various points. The rhizome appears reddish-brown, and is a sweet licorice-flavored. The name "glycyrrhiza" refers to this flavor--"glykys" in Greek means sweet, with "rhiza" meaning root. Since it is a fern, "P. glycyrrhiza" reproduces by spores; the spores grow in a pattern of spots on the undersides of the leaves. These sori may be oval in immaturity. Licorice fern may grow over the ground, rocks, or as an epiphyte. The plant prefers moist environments, so it is typically found on wet ground, rocks, and logs. Occasionally it can be seen on fallen trees. It is
Cyanea glabra hawaiiense", "Pipturus albidus", "Coprosma" spp., "Wikstroemia oahuensis", "Clermontia kakeana", "Psychotria" spp., "Sadleria" spp., "Cyrtandra spathulata", "Touchardia latifolia", "Freycinetia arborea", and "Cyanea elliptica". The remaining 12 plants are part of one population divided into two subpopulations. Threats to the species include exotic plants, feral pigs, and landslides. Cyanea glabra Cyanea glabra is a rare species of flowering plant in the bellflower family known by the common name smooth cyanea. It is endemic to Maui, where there are twelve plants remaining in the wild. It was federally listed as an endangered species of the United States with nine other Maui Nui endemics