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Cyperus javanicus

Houtt. (1782)

This name is accepted

Kingdom: Viridiplantae Phylum: Magnoliophyta Class/Clade: Monocots Order: Poales Family: Cyperaceae Genus: Cyperus

‘ahu‘awa [ahuawa], ‘ehu‘awa [ehuawa]

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Description

Key Characters:

Growth Form: Coarse perennials with short rhizomes.

Stems: culms green, glaucous, tufted, robust, 40–110 cm tall, 3–5 mm in diameter near base, obtusely trigonous, minutely granulate.

Roots:

Leaves: Leaves simple. Usually numerous, usually longer than the culm. blades linear, 8–12 mm wide, plicate below the middle, flat or with margins inrolled above the middle, septate–nodulose. Surfaces green, glaucous, and often white–powdery; blades coriaceous. Margins prominently scabrous. Sheaths dark brown or purplish brown, septate–nodulose. Stipules absent.

Flowers: Flowers in inflorescences umbelliform, compound or partially compound, 10–15 cm long, rays 6–10, up to 12 cm long, spreading, secondary rays, when present, 3–6, spikes cylindrical to oblong, 1.5–3 cm long, 8–12 mm wide, bearing numerous spikelets; involucral bracts 5–6, the lower ones much longer than the inflorescence; spikelets 5–7–flowered, grayish brown and white–powdery, divergent to slightly reflexed, turgid, lanceoloid to oblong-lanceoloid, 4.5–6 mm long, 1.8–2 mm wide, rachilla broadly winged, jointed above the prophyll; glumes brown with reddish brown flecks or lines, subcoriaceous, broadly ovate, 2.8–3 mm long, 2 mm wide, many–nerved, the margins whitish–hyaline, keel scarcely ridged, obtuse. Flowers bisexual (perfect). Corolla (petals) absent. Stamens 3. Ovary superior.

Fruit: Achenes blackish brown; ellipsoid–obovate; trigonous; ca. 1⁄2 as long as the glume; minutely puncticulate. Seeds 1; seed coat thin; free from pericarp; embryo basal; endosperm abundant.

Ploidy:

Habitat: Common in marshes; taro paddies; along streams and ditches; coastal pastures; rocky coastal sites; and cliffs.

Elevation Range: 0–180 m.

Historical Distribution

Images

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Uses and Culture

USES

  • This indigenous plant was often cultivated. The fibers were made into two/three ply cordage used for lashing in house construction (Abbott 1992:62); the cordage also used in temporary fishing nets and for holding ‘umeke (Abbott 1992:63, 91). Some say it was good for deep water fishing line and canoe rigging, too; the leaves also used to strain ‘awa drink and medicines (Chun 1994:13).

  • To treat ‘ea in children, ‘ahu‘awa stems and flowers are used with green kukui fruit sap (Aleurites moluccana). ‘Ahu‘awa is also used with ‘alaea clay, ‘awa root (Piper methysticum), and kōkea (white sugar cane, Saccharum officinarum) for ule hilo & waiki (gonorrhea). Fine sediment of ahu‘awa is mixed with lama kuahiwi for use on deep cuts, bruises, boils, cold sores; runny nose is treated by inhaling powdered ‘ahu‘awa (Chun 1994:13–14).

CULTURE

  • [I] Aia aku la paha i Waikiki i ka ‘imi ‘ahu‘awa. Perhaps gone to Waikiki to seek the ‘ahu‘awa sedge. Gone where disappointment is met. A play on ahu (heap) and ‘awa (sour). [II] O Honu‘apo aku no ia o kahi o ka ‘ahu‘awa. That is Honu‘apo where the ‘ahu‘awa grows. A Ka‘u saying about disappointment. The ‘ahu‘awa was much used as fiber for straining ‘awa. A play on hoka (to strain, to be disappointed).

Natural History

Statewide Status

Indigenous

Island Status

Ni'ihau(Incl. Lehua) Indigenous
Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) Indigenous
Kaua'i Indigenous
O'ahu Indigenous
Molokai Indigenous
Lana'i Indigenous
Maui Indigenous
Hawai'i Indigenous

Dispersal Agents


Pollinators

Bibliography

Name Published In: Nat. Hist. 2(13): 67 (1782)

Other References

Wagner et al. 1990:1420 (Mi, Ni, K, O, Mo, L, M, H [as Mariscus javanicus]); Tucker 1994:87/Wagner & Herbst 1999:1900 (Syn. M. javanicus = C. javanicus); Wood & LeGrande 2006:23 (Le); Starr & Starr 2008/Herbst 6430 BISH (Mi†, 1980); Hank Oppenheimer pers. obs./Munro 150 BISH (L†, 1927)

Occurrences

SNo. Scientific Name Locality Habitat Basis of Record Description Recorded By Record Number Island Source Date
1 Cyperus javanicus Keawanui Bay, rocky coast along windward side of island Preserved_Specimen Plant 1 m tall, clumped perennial. Wagner, W.L. 5707 Molokai BISH 1987-07-30
2 Cyperus javanicus Growing in and around a shallow, water-filled depression between road and beach about 100 yds. east of Camp Erdman (Mokuleia Beach) Dry, sandy, with Scaevola taccada, Ipomoea pes-caprae, Cynodon. Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 365 Oahu BISH 1967-03-25
3 Cyperus javanicus Kipahulu, Oheo by Lauhala trees Preserved_Specimen Welton, P. 1690 Maui BISH 1993-02-09
4 Cyperus javanicus Kuliouou, makai end of ridge east of Kuliouou, along highway Preserved_Specimen Wayside weed; about 6 plants only. Egler, F.E. 3780 Oahu BISH 1937-07-01
5 Cyperus javanicus Dry slopes of Koko Crater Preserved_Specimen Herb 0.5 m high. Christophersen, E. 1310 Oahu BISH 1930-04-06
6 Cyperus javanicus Mokolii Island, Kaneohe Bay Preserved_Specimen Several populations on north side of island. Herbst, D.R. 6106 Oahu BISH 1978-05-24
7 Cyperus javanicus Kalaupapa NHP, ocean side of marsh, 100 m NE of last coastal house, road side Preserved_Specimen Coarse perennial, frequent in wetland Wysong, M.L. 596 Molokai BISH 2005-01-27
8 Cyperus javanicus East Maui, Hana District, Kauiki at Hana Bay, Along N side along and above trail to lighthouse Among rocks just above waterline. With Bothriochloa. Preserved_Specimen Flynn, T.W. 2556 Maui BISH 1987-10-23
9 Cyperus javanicus Barber's Point Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 17044 Oahu BISH 1919-11-01
10 Cyperus javanicus Barber's Point, 0.25 mi inland, near roadside Preserved_Specimen Egler, F.E. 37270 Oahu BISH 1937-08-11
11 Cyperus javanicus Waianae Mts., Pohakea Pass Preserved_Specimen Ozaki, E.T. 1482 Oahu BISH 1955-04-17
12 Cyperus javanicus Waialua beach Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 8756 Oahu BISH 1911-05-21
13 Cyperus javanicus Puna, near Kalapana Preserved_Specimen Fagerlund, G.O. 927 Hawaii BISH 1944-10-07
14 Cyperus javanicus Kealia trail Preserved_Specimen Ozaki, E.T. 1422 Oahu BISH 1955-02-08
15 Cyperus javanicus private garden in Kekaha, where it is cultivated for medicinal uses Preserved_Specimen Funk, E.J. 920036 Kauai BISH 1992-04-13
16 Cyperus javanicus Haena plain near Manoa Valley, lowlands in pasture Preserved_Specimen Robinson, K.D. 1 Kauai BISH 1976-09-01
17 Cyperus javanicus Nahiku, along the beach, between stones Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 8754 Maui BISH 1911-05-10
18 Cyperus javanicus Kalaupapa NHP, road between airport and pavilion Preserved_Specimen Perennial rush Wysong, M.L. 440 Molokai BISH 2004-11-11
19 Cyperus javanicus Maui Zoological & Botanical Gardens. Originally from Haiku area, near Pauwela Point Preserved_Specimen Sylva, R. 32 Maui BISH 1978-07-03
20 Cyperus javanicus Kaemi Islet Preserved_Specimen Kepler, A.K. 69 Maui BISH 1982-06-18
21 Cyperus javanicus Kawaihae, along beach Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 8744 Hawaii BISH 1910-06-01
22 Cyperus javanicus Kau Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 12755 Hawaii BISH 1914-12-01
23 Cyperus javanicus Lehua Rock Preserved_Specimen Caum, E.L. 5 Lehua Rock BISH 1931-04-18
24 Cyperus javanicus Nahiku, along the beach, between stones Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 8754 Maui BISH 1911-05-10
25 Cyperus javanicus East Maui, Makaiwa Gulch Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 8746 Maui BISH 1911-04-01
26 Cyperus javanicus W Maui, Ukumehame Canyon Preserved_Specimen Hobdy, R.W. 399 Maui BISH 1978-11-17
27 Cyperus javanicus Wailau Beach Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 8713 Molokai BISH 1910-04-01
28 Cyperus javanicus Koolaupoko Distr., Waiahole Beach Park on Kaneohe Bay Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 512 Oahu BISH 1967-06-17
29 Cyperus javanicus East Maui, Hana Preserved_Specimen Handy, E.S. 335 Maui BISH 1933-06-06
30 Cyperus javanicus Niaupala Fishpond, Kaluaaha, salt marsh Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 19953 Molokai BISH 1939-01-02
31 Cyperus javanicus W Maui, Ukumehame Canyon Preserved_Specimen Hobdy, R.W. 399 Maui BISH 1978-11-17
32 Cyperus javanicus West Maui, Kapunakea. Preserved_Specimen Hughes, G.D. 401 Maui BISH 1993-02-19
33 Cyperus javanicus Hoolehua, within influence of ocean Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 8432 Molokai BISH 1928-05-04
34 Cyperus javanicus Near Pearl City Preserved_Specimen Heller, A.A. 2407 Maui BISH 1895-06-11
35 Cyperus javanicus Honaunau Preserved_Specimen Skottsberg, C.J.F. 643 Hawaii BISH 1922-09-24
36 Cyperus javanicus Kapohaku Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 150 Lanai BISH 1927-07-19
37 Cyperus javanicus Wailau Beach Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 8713 Molokai BISH 1910-04-01
38 Cyperus javanicus Kailua, swamp Preserved_Specimen Wilder, G.P. Oahu BISH 1930-11-11
39 Cyperus javanicus Honaunau Beach, City of Refuge Preserved_Specimen Krajina, V.J. Hawaii BISH 1961-12-29
40 Cyperus javanicus Rabbit Island Preserved_Specimen Neal, M.C. Oahu BISH 1930-03-16
41 Cyperus javanicus Salt Lake Preserved_Specimen Bryan, W.A. Oahu BISH 1903-12-13
42 Cyperus javanicus Mokolii Preserved_Specimen Rogers, D.P. Oahu BISH 1947-05-17
43 Cyperus javanicus Lehua Islet, N of Niihau Preserved_Specimen Montgomery, S. Lehua Rock BISH 1997-05-27
44 Cyperus javanicus Molokai Preserved_Specimen Stokes, J.F.G. Molokai BISH 1909-01-01
45 Cyperus javanicus Mokuleia, slopes of Kaala Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. Oahu BISH 1912-04-26
46 Cyperus javanicus Honolulu Preserved_Specimen Andersson, N.J. Oahu BISH 1852-01-01
47 Cyperus javanicus Kaali Preserved_Specimen Stokes, J.F.G. Niihau BISH 1912-01-01
48 Cyperus javanicus Rabbit Island Preserved_Specimen Bryan Jr., E.H. Oahu BISH 1934-08-26
49 Cyperus javanicus Honolulu Preserved_Specimen Pukui, M.K. Oahu BISH 1931-01-01
50 Cyperus javanicus Hauola Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. Lanai BISH 1913-11-18
51 Cyperus javanicus Kona, Kealakekua Preserved_Specimen Carlson, N.K. Hawaii BISH 1962-04-30
52 Cyperus javanicus Waialua Preserved_Specimen Meebold, A. Oahu BISH 1932-06-01
53 Cyperus javanicus Kailua; edge of Kaelepulu Pond; north & west borders Preserved_Specimen Neal, M.C. Oahu BISH 1940-05-30
54 Cyperus javanicus East Maui, Rocky beach at Hana Preserved_Specimen Maui BISH 1933-01-01
55 Cyperus javanicus Kalihi Valley Preserved_Specimen Oahu BISH
56 Cyperus javanicus Lehua Rock Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 22856 Lehua Rock BISH 1947-08-16
57 Cyperus javanicus Waimea Distr., Nualolo Kai, in old taro patch Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 26668 Kauai BISH 1965-04-22
58 Cyperus javanicus outer cresent basalt seeps; Cenchrus ciliaris, Setaria verticillata, Portulaca oleracea, Jacquemontia ovalifolia, Pluchea indica, P. carolinensis, Ageratum conyzoides, Chenopodium murale, Waltheria indica, Cenchrus echinatus, Chloris virgata Preserved_Specimen sedge; leaves glaucus blue green Wood, K.R. 11348 Lehua Rock BISH 2005-05-14
59 Cyperus javanicus Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, Mokolea Point. Dry coastal shrub/scrub. Preserved_Specimen Uyehara, K.J. Kauai BISH 2011-09-29
60 Cyperus javanicus Manana Island Heteropogon prairie. Preserved_Specimen Grant, M.L. 7293 Oahu BISH 1934-08-26
61 Cyperus javanicus W Maui, Lahaina District, Ukumehame Gulch Along stream far from ocean. Preserved_Specimen Stem. subterete. Degener, O. 12567 Maui BISH 1939-08-25
62 Cyperus javanicus Mokolii Scattered patches near coast, especially windward coastal margins. Preserved_Specimen Starr, F. 5041953 Oahu BISH 2005-04-19
63 Cyperus javanicus James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, Kahuku, Oahu Growing in ca. 1 inch of water in medium to large clumps. Other species in area Sesuvium portulacastrum, Batis maritima, Bacopa monnieri, Cyperus polystachyos. Preserved_Specimen Clumps ca. 1-1.5 ft tall. Rough light greyish-green leaves. Crago, L.M. 2005049 Oahu BISH 2005-02-04
64 Cyperus javanicus East Maui, Vicinity of Hana In clumps not far from ocean. Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 8388 Maui BISH 1927-06-12
65 Cyperus javanicus Honaunau Distr., Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historic Monument Mixed grassland near beach berm. Cocos nucifera overstory. Preserved_Specimen Leishman, J. 1 Hawaii BISH 1984-08-22
66 Cyperus javanicus W Maui, Wailuku Distr, Waihee, Waihee dunes, Near sea level, in wetland. Preserved_Specimen A spontaneious naturally occurring plant. Fisher, S. Maui BISH
67 Cyperus javanicus Waialua Distr., Waianae Mts., Kealia Trail above Dillingham Airfield Associated with Sapindus, Sicyos, Plumbago, Panicum, Stachytarpheta. Preserved_Specimen Only one large clump along lower part of trail. Gustafson, R. 3984 Oahu BISH 1991-04-21
68 Cyperus javanicus Na Pali Coast, Nualolo Kai, near sea level Growing near shore among exotic shrubs. Preserved_Specimen Large sedge. Corn, C. 436 Kauai BISH 1979-07-20
69 Cyperus javanicus Visitor Center and main ruins, Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park Predominantly exotic vegetation. Area highly modified by ancient Polynesians. Preserved_Specimen Higashino, P.K. 10285 Hawaii BISH 1984-04-08
70 Cyperus javanicus Nonopapa Rocky edge of dried salty inlet. Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 22762 Niihau BISH 1947-08-13
71 Cyperus javanicus Kalaupapa, community, new nursery site costal strand, white sand and basalt rock mix Preserved_Specimen clumping sedge, ~1 m tall Wysong, M.L. 868 Molokai BISH 2006-02-02
72 Cyperus javanicus Kauai Hanalei District; coastal cliff below Princeville, Kenomene region secondary invasive vegetation, with some relic native taxa native relic include Pandanus tectorius, Scaevola taccada, Vigna marina, Bacopa monnieri, Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, Cyperus javanicus, Fimbristylis cymosa subsp. Spathacea, Portulaca lutea, Lys Preserved_Specimen Sedge, terrestrial around seeps, leaves green-blue, spiklets brown, occasional Wood, K.R. 15534 Kauai BISH 2013-06-20
73 Cyperus javanicus Niulii, Kohala Exposed coastal pasture. Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 2256 Hawaii BISH 1926-08-06
74 Cyperus javanicus Ewa Beach Open rainy region. Preserved_Specimen Woolford, H.A. 2 Oahu BISH 1956-07-04
75 Cyperus javanicus East Molokai, north coast, Kaholaiki Bay Seen along entire north coast growing occasionally among rocks near the beach. Preserved_Specimen Hobdy, R.W. 2180 Molokai BISH 1984-08-27
76 Cyperus javanicus Hanalei Distr., Pilaa, Kepuhi Point Growing on shaded, steep slope back of the beach. Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 2399 Kauai BISH 1972-04-27
77 Cyperus javanicus Makapuu Head Dry steep ocean cliff, exposed. Preserved_Specimen Obata, J.K. 398 Oahu BISH 1978-07-23
78 Cyperus javanicus W Maui, E of Honokohau Valley, below gravel pit Steep coastal cliff. Preserved_Specimen Perennial sedge to 50cm Annable, C.R. 3930 Maui BISH 1999-02-19
79 Cyperus javanicus Growing between Pohaku Malumalu and Kepuhi Point On steep, shaded slope back of beach. Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 2399 Kauai BISH 1972-04-27
80 Cyperus javanicus Mokuleia, near spring Muddy ground near spring overgrown with Nephrolepis. Preserved_Specimen Single large clump with stalks 3'-4' height, sun-exposed, very robust, leaves with extremely sharp edges. Takeuchi, W.N. 3854 Oahu BISH 1988-04-24
81 Cyperus javanicus Mokuleia, near spring Muddy ground near spring overgrown with Nephrolepis. Preserved_Specimen Single large clump with stalks 3'-4' height, sun-exposed, very robust, leaves with extremely sharp edges. Takeuchi, W.N. 3854 Oahu BISH 1988-04-24
82 Cyperus javanicus Anini beach rd, ca one half mile E of Anini beach park In sandy much along ditch S of rd. Preserved_Specimen Clumping. Flynn, T.W. 1663 Kauai BISH 1986-04-23
83 Cyperus javanicus Waimea District. East side of shelf above water near seep. Pluchea indica-Jacquemontia ovalifolia subsp. Sandwicensis lowland dry shrubland/herbland. With Pluchea carolinensis, P. indica, Portulaca oleracea, Solanum americanum, Cenchrus ciliaris. Preserved_Specimen sedge, flattened spiklets brown-gold, leaves glaucus green-blue, ca. 1000 plants around seep, uncommon, other plants cattered on outer crecent (south) side around seeps Wood, K.R. 9873 Kauai BISH 2002-06-07
84 Cyperus javanicus By pond, Kamoa State Historical Park, North Kona By brackish pond. Preserved_Specimen A few plants. Corn, C. Hawaii BISH 1985-09-03
85 Cyperus javanicus Kaena In moist places. Preserved_Specimen Wilder, G.P. 26767 Oahu BISH 1923-11-15
86 Cyperus javanicus Anini beach rd, ca one half mile E of Anini beach park In sandy much along ditch S of rd. Preserved_Specimen Clumping. Flynn, T.W. 1663 Kauai BISH 1986-04-23
87 Cyperus javanicus Kauai Preserved_Specimen Lee, H.A. 247 Kauai BISH 1925-11-01
88 Cyperus javanicus Along Kalalau Trail next to first small stream about 1/8 mile in Next to small stream. Preserved_Specimen Corn, C. Kauai BISH 1978-06-14
89 Cyperus javanicus Kaapahu Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 1772 Maui BISH 1919-12-09
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