Let's do the twist. Place a pili grass seed in water, and it's long and twined awn will begin contortions that will amaze. In it's natural environment, this response enables the barbed end of the seed to be screwed into the soil, and have earned the grass its botanical name, Heteropogon contortus, and its Hawaiian name, "pili" which means to cling or stick. It's a beautiful tussock grass, forming large clumps with a two to five foot spread. Pili grass loves the sun and can do well in dry, coastal environments. Its pleasant scent, color, and durability made it the choice grass for thatching, and is likely why Hawaii is famous for its "little grass shacks." On Kaho'olawe, pili plays a big role in restoration efforts, growing well despite low rainfall and poor soils. Bales of pili are are scattered about the Mars-like terrain, catching wind-blown sediments and serving as a growing medium for natives such as aʻaliʻi.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
welcomes you to visit with the all the wonderful flora and fauna that we share this lovely aina with. Categories
All
Archives
October 2014
|