Pili Grass Roof

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

Pili grass roof.

Pili grass is used in hawaii. Europeans called it tanglehead because the mature seed heads have a tendency to tangle. Its scientific name is heteropogon contortus. 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.

The soil roots and flowering spikes were trimmed and the pili bunch was ready for use. All with the same intention in mind to give your home or business the perfect tropical shade covering. Replicates authentic hawaiian thatched roofs pili grass is a common plant indigenous to hawai i. 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. These days there is a high demand for pili grass and alang alang thatching. Pili grass has been used for roofing buildings in hawaii.

It s embedded into the culture and history of hawaii. This grass belongs in the genus heteropogon and the species contortus. The blades of these grasses are tough and strong. 1 6 8 pili was harvested by uprooting a bunch.

You can use this unique tiki hut gazebo as an extension of your outdoor living space to put outdoor furniture or hammocks under. Synthetic pili grass by endureed. Bali s thatched roofs are usually made of alang alang or ijuk while sugar cane is a commonly used material in kenya. And in florida traditionally we use our native sabal palm thatch.

We prefer the term pili grass though.