Pili Grass Roof

It s embedded into the culture and history of hawaii.

Pili grass roof.

Replicates authentic hawaiian thatched roofs pili grass is a common plant indigenous to hawai i. Its scientific name is heteropogon contortus. Pili grass is also commonly called lule grass spear grass tanglehead and twisted beardgrass. Pili grass scientifically known as heteropogon contortus is one of 80 grass species believed to be native to the far west american islands.

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. All with the same intention in mind to give your home or business the perfect tropical shade covering. And in florida traditionally we use our native sabal palm thatch.

Pili grass has been used for roofing buildings in hawaii. 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. 1 6 8 pili was harvested by uprooting a bunch. Synthetic pili grass by endureed.

You can use this unique tiki hut gazebo as an extension of your outdoor living space to put outdoor furniture or hammocks under. We prefer the term pili grass though. Europeans called it tanglehead because the mature seed heads have a tendency to tangle. Pili grass is used in hawaii.

These days there is a high demand for pili grass and alang alang thatching. The blades of these grasses are tough and strong. In hawaiian pili means to cling or stick. In dominica and fiji palm leaves are the most prevalent thatching materials.

The soil roots and flowering spikes were trimmed and the pili bunch was ready for use.