`Ahu`awa

`Ahu`awa is a dense short perennial native to Hawaii that grows up to 4 feet in height. The leaves, which are green to bluish or gray-green and often have a powdery white cast, are rough and spike-like, and range from 16 to more than 45 inches long. The upright stems grow in clusters and are reddish brown in color.`Ahu`awa can grow in dry, moist and wet conditions, and in standing water to about 8 inches. Since`Ahu`awa is flood tolerant, it can be used along water banks to control erosion. It provides food, nesting material and shelter to native waterfowl.

Traditional Medicinal and Cultural Usages

• The fibrous stems were used in making strong cordage that could be used to fasten canoes as well as logs for houses
• `Ahu`awa was also used for making lei, strainers, and brushes to paint color onto tapa
• Medicinally, `Ahu`awa was used for treating runny noses. In combination with other herbs and minerals, it was used for treating gonorrhea