Pili Grass Roof

Replicates authentic hawaiian thatched roofs pili grass is a common plant indigenous to hawai i.

Pili grass roof.

The blades of these grasses are tough and strong. The soil roots and flowering spikes were trimmed and the pili bunch was ready for use. Its scientific name is heteropogon contortus. Pili grass is used in hawaii.

And in florida traditionally we use our native sabal palm thatch. Bali s thatched roofs are usually made of alang alang or ijuk while sugar cane is a commonly used material in kenya. You can use this unique tiki hut gazebo as an extension of your outdoor living space to put outdoor furniture or hammocks under. It s embedded into the culture and history of hawaii.

Pili grass is also commonly called lule grass spear grass tanglehead and twisted beardgrass. We prefer the term pili grass though. Europeans called it tanglehead because the mature seed heads have a tendency to tangle. Whether indigenous or a polynesian introduction early hawaiians used pili as their first choice for thatching roofs and for its brown color neat appearance and pleasant odor.

In hawaii lauhala and pili grass are used. In europe traditional materials include reed and the less popular straw. These days there is a high demand for pili grass and alang alang thatching. This grass belongs in the genus heteropogon and the species contortus.

All with the same intention in mind to give your home or business the perfect tropical shade covering. 1 6 8 pili was harvested by uprooting a bunch. It s not clear if pili grass roofs are indigenous or were introduced from polynesia but this thatching has centuries of recorded use in the hawaiian islands. Pili grass scientifically known as heteropogon contortus is one of 80 grass species believed to be native to the far west american islands.

In hawaiian pili means to cling or stick.