Kaluh or Saltmarsh bulrushCyperaceae (Sedge family)Indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands (All the main islands except Lnai and Kahoolawe)Oahu (Cultivated)Seed head pictured above.Flowerswww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/5187966580/in/dateposted/Habitwww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/5187366567/in/photostream/This indigenous sedge is not known to be used by early settlers in the Hawaiian Islands. However, in other parts of the world the seeds were used as a food source and the leaves were used in making baskets, mats, sandals, and clothing.EtymologyBolboschoenus is from the Greek bolbos, swelling or bulb, and schoinos, rush in reference to the ligneous (woody) tubers at the culm (aerial part of the plant) bases.The specific epithet martinus, growing by the sea, is in reference to its brackish-freshwater habitat.NPH00009nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Bolboschoenus_maritimus
[syn. Mariscus javanicus]Polynesian Names: Ahuawa (Hawaii); Ehuawa (Hawaii), Mahele (Uvea); Mhelehele (Tonga); Mselehele (Futuna); Mauku tatau tai (Cook Islands); Mou haari (Society Islands); Mouku (Marquesas); Mouu (Austral Islands, Marquesas); Selesele (Samoa) CyperaceaeIndigenous to the Hawaiian IslandsOahu (Cultivated)Early Hawaiians pounded stems of ahuawa until they were only fibers and used them as strainers for awa or niu (coconut), and as cordage. Fibers soaked for a few hours to free pulp, dried in the sun for a day or two, and then could be used. The fibers were very durable lasting two years or more. The cordage was used for cords (hwele) or nets (kk puupuu) designed to carry umeke (food or water containers).The stringy fibers were also made into brushes to paint color onto tapa.The leaves and seed/fruit were used in lei.nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Cyperus_javanicus
[syn. Gahnia gahniaeformis]Gaudichaud's sawsedgeCyperaceae (Sedge family)Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (Wahiawa on Kauai, Molokai, Lnai, Maui, and Hawaii Island)Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii IslandPkiawe (Leptecophylla tameiameiae) in the right foreground.
close up image of Carex sartwellii RUNNING MARSH SEDGE at the James Woodworth Prairie Preserve - showing a single specimen at bloom; anthers are visible. This species is featured in the book - Graceful Splendor: Grasses of the Tallgrass Prairie. Contact frank@black-sweater-art.com for more information.