Bolboschoenus maritimus

Description:

Kaluh or Saltmarsh bulrushCyperaceae (Sedge family)Indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands (All the main islands except Lnai and Kahoolawe)Oahu (Cultivated)Seed head pictured above.Flowerswww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/5187966580/in/dateposted/Habitwww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/5187366567/in/photostream/This indigenous sedge is not known to be used by early settlers in the Hawaiian Islands. However, in other parts of the world the seeds were used as a food source and the leaves were used in making baskets, mats, sandals, and clothing.EtymologyBolboschoenus is from the Greek bolbos, swelling or bulb, and schoinos, rush in reference to the ligneous (woody) tubers at the culm (aerial part of the plant) bases.The specific epithet martinus, growing by the sea, is in reference to its brackish-freshwater habitat.NPH00009nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Bolboschoenus_maritimus