[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
Schoenus minutulusThis plant has the male parts of the flower with yellow pollen and the female parts - 3 long white fluffy styles, all within the flower head. Growing to approx 100 mm in laterite pebble soil. Photo: Jean3 March 2020: ID Schoenus minutulus Thanks Michael Hislop WA Herbarium
Native to Madagascar, but widely planted and naturalized in warmer parts of the world. For some reasons it reminds people of umbrellas, and known as the Umbrella Papyrus (or sedge), and in Latin America as Paraguitas. Botanical Gardens of Quito. In context at www.dixpix.ca/meso_america/Flora/poalcomm/index.html
field image of Carex tetanica COMMON STIFF SEDGE at the James Woodworth Prairie Preserve - a single specimen just starting to bloom; notice the erect structure of the plant, leading to its common name of 'stiff' sedge
Kaluh or Rock bulrush[syn. Schoenoplectus juncoides]Cyperaceae (Cyperus family)Indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands (Kauai; Kohala Mountains, Hawaii Island)Oahu (Cultivated)EtymologyThe generic name Schoenoplectiella is from the Greek schoinos, rush, and plektos, plaited or twisted. The suffix -iella denotes small or duminutive, perhaps because it resembles a small Schoenoplectus.The specific epithet juncoides, resembling Juncus, a non-native rush in the Juncaceae or Rush family.NPH00001nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Schoenoplectiella_junc...
field image of Carex stricta COMMON TUSSOCK SEDGE at the James Woodworth Prairie Preserve - showing the beginning of vegetative growth on the tussock in early spring while there is still water standing in the swale; this species is almost always found in wetlands