Pili Grass Roof

Europeans called it tanglehead because the mature seed heads have a tendency to tangle.

Pili grass roof.

1 6 8 pili was harvested by uprooting a bunch. It s embedded into the culture and history of 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. You can use this unique tiki hut gazebo as an extension of your outdoor living space to put outdoor furniture or hammocks under.

Its scientific name is heteropogon contortus. These days there is a high demand for pili grass and alang alang thatching. Replicates authentic hawaiian thatched roofs pili grass is a common plant indigenous to hawai i. And in florida traditionally we use our native sabal palm thatch.

All with the same intention in mind to give your home or business the perfect tropical shade covering. In dominica and fiji palm leaves are the most prevalent thatching materials. Bali s thatched roofs are usually made of alang alang or ijuk while sugar cane is a commonly used material in kenya. The soil roots and flowering spikes were trimmed and the pili bunch was ready for use.

Synthetic pili grass by endureed. The blades of these grasses are tough and strong. Pili grass is also commonly called lule grass spear grass tanglehead and twisted beardgrass. Pili grass is used in hawaii.

In hawaii lauhala and pili grass are used. 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. We prefer the term pili grass though.

In europe traditional materials include reed and the less popular straw.