Map Endemic achyranthes* ‘äma‘u älula* ‘äwikiwiki bonamia* Clay's Hibiscus* cyperus cyperus sedge eugenia häpu‘u kauila* ko‘oloa‘ula* koa kulu‘ï kupukupu lama loulu palm ma‘o mämaki nänü* ‘ohai (shrub) * ‘ohai (tree) * ‘öhia lehua white hibiscus   Indigenous alahe‘e hinahina ‘ilie‘e ‘ilima kou laua‘e fern naio palapalai pili grass pöhinahina ‘uki‘uki ‘ülei variegated hau   Polynesian Introduced coconut kalo kukui red ginger red ti leaf ti leaf sugar cane ulu   Introduced cotton cup of gold eucalyptus heliconia hibiscus manila palm monstera octopus tree pink tecoma plumbago plumeria tangerine wiliwili     *endangered species

Common Name Cyperus Sedge Hawaiian Name Pu'uka'a Scientific Name Cyperus sp. Pictures Keawe   Whole Plant Leaves Stock Location On Campus This Cyperus trachysanthos is located in front of the Alice Knapp Lounge next to Keawe Gym. Natural Habitat Cyperus trachysanthos is endemic to the following Hawaiian Islands: Ni‘ihau, Kaua‘i, O‘ahu (Diamond Head Crater), Moloka‘i, and Lana‘i. It is found in moist areas such as ponds or seasonal marshes. Cultural Information Cyperus trachysanthos is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. One type of cyperus, makaloa, can be used to weave colorful mats which are from the island of Ni‘ihau. The mats that are made out of the makaloa are considered to be the finest sleeping mats in Polynesia. Plant Description Roots: Fibrous roots Stem: 60 cm high Grooved on the faces smooth below the umbel (an umbel is the rounded flower cluster in which the single flower stalks rise from the same point) Herbaceous stem Leaves: Green and flexible Pale and glossy About the same size as the stem which is 60 cm Green, linear Measures 1.5-2.5 mm in diameter Leafy at base Simple leaf Generally folded Leaves are generally sharp along the edges (around margins and keel) Seeds: A grain Small and dry Grows in clusters near the bottom of the stem of the leaf Propagation/ Cultivation: Can be grown in or around water features Thrives in full sun and damp soil Great for dry floral arrangements Interesting Facts: This plant is endangered and close to extinction Web Site Links  Hamakua Marsh This site can be viewed to see a picture of the cyperus plant seeds. Plants Profile This site can be used to find more information on this plant, such as where in the world this plant is found and more.   References  Abbott, Isabella Aiona. Lä‘au Hawai‘i Traditional Hawaiian Uses of Plants. Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Bishop Museum Press, 1992.  Herbst, Derral R., S. H Sohmer and Warren L. Wagner. Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawai‘i Volume 2. University of Hawai‘i Press, Honolulu, 1990.  Hillebrand, William. Flora of the Hawaiian Islands. New York, Hafner Pub. Co., 1965. Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Barboza, Rick, Web Manager. 6 Dec. 2002. Honolulu Star Bulletin.20 Mar.2003 <http://starbulletin.com/2002/12/06/features/garden. html>  St. John, Harold. List of Flowering Plants in Hawai‘i. Hong Kong, Cathay Press Limited., 1973 Russell, Christa. Recovery Plan for Multi Island Plants. Oregon, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service., 1999. Return to Top

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