Puukaa or Sticky flatsedgeCyperaceae (Sedge family)Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (Kauai, Oahu and possibly Niihau in Mokouia Valley. Extinct on Molokai and Lnai)NatureServe: Critically EndangeredOahu (Cultivated)Flowering.Seed headwww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/4766405545/in/photolist-...Habitwww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/4766405223/in/photolist-...Medicinally, puukaa was "stewed until completely cooked" by early Hawaiians. Then, used in bathing "until the very small and fine lumps (puu) fall off." ("Native Hawaiian Medicine--Volume III" by Kaluna M. Kaaiakamanu)EtymologyThe generic name Cyperus comes from the kyperos, the Greek word for sedge.The specific epithet trachysanthos is from the Greek trachy, shaggy or rough, and santhos, flowered.NPH00003nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Cyperus_trachysanthos
Puukaa or Sticky flatsedgeCyperaceae (Sedge family)Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (Kauai, Oahu and possibly Niihau in Mokouia Valley. Extinct on Molokai and Lnai)NatureServe: Critically EndangeredLower Kamananui Stream, Waimea Valley, Oahu (probably an escapee from the upper man-made ponds where it is planted)Habitwww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/4767044522/in/photostream/Medicinally, puukaa was "stewed until completely cooked" by early Hawaiians. Then, used in bathing "until the very small and fine lumps (puu) fall off." ("Native Hawaiian Medicine--Volume III" by Kaluna M. Kaaiakamanu)EtymologyThe generic name Cyperus comes from the kyperos, the Greek word for sedge.The specific epithet trachysanthos is from the Greek trachy, shaggy or rough, and santhos, flowered.Botany Photo of the Daybotanyphoto.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/2015/07/cyperus-trachy...nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Cyperus_trachysanthos
Alaala wai nui or Woodland peperomiaPiperaceaeEndemic to the Hawaiian IslandsPalikea, OahuEarly Hawaiians produced from the leaves and stems of Peperomia spp. a rich gray green dye called ahiahia, or puahia, made from the ashes was used for dying kapa (tapa) by the early Hawaiians.Medicinally, the juice was used as a tonic and for inner ear disorders. Various parts of the plants with other ingredients were used orally for fetid vaginal discharge, debilitating consumption, relapse after recovery from illness, severe asthma, and possibly for various stages of appendicitis.nativeplants.hawaii.edu
Puukaa or Sticky flatsedgeCyperaceaeEndemic to the Hawaiian IslandsEndangeredLower Kamananui Stream, Waimea Valley, Oahu (probably an escapee from the upper man-made ponds where it is planted)Closeupwww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/4766405545/in/photostream/Medicinally, this sedge was "stewed until completely cooked" by early Hawaiians. Then, used in bathing "until the very small and fine lumps (puu) fall off." ("Native Hawaiian Medicine--Volume III" by Kaluna M. Kaaiakamanu)nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Cyperus_trachysanthos
Puukaa or Sticky flatsedgeCyperaceaeEndemic to the Hawaiian IslandsEndangeredOahu (Cultivated)Medicinally, this sedge was "stewed until completely cooked" by early Hawaiians. Then, used in bathing "until the very small and fine lumps (puu) fall off." ("Native Hawaiian Medicine--Volume III" by Kaluna M. Kaaiakamanu)NPH00002nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Cyperus_trachysanthos
Puukaa or Sticky flatsedgeCyperaceaeEndemic to the Hawaiian IslandsEndangeredLower Kamananui Stream, Waimea Valley, Oahu (probably an escapee from the upper man-made ponds where it is planted)Closeupwww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/4766405545/in/photostream/Medicinally, this sedge was "stewed until completely cooked" by early Hawaiians. Then, used in bathing "until the very small and fine lumps (puu) fall off." ("Native Hawaiian Medicine--Volume III" by Kaluna M. Kaaiakamanu)nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Cyperus_trachysanthos