Scientific Name: Mariscus javanicus
Indigenous: All islands except Kahoolawe
Description: A greenish blue rush with linear leaves 40-110 cm. long. The flower clusters emerge umbrella like at the surface with many tiny spikelets (which contain the seed.) The margins of the leaves are very coarse and abrasive.
Distribution: This is an indigenous plant native to tropical Africa, Asia as well as Hawaii. Here it is found on all of the major islands except Kahoolawe but also found on Midway atoll. Ahuawa is common in marshes, loi (kalo patches), along side streams and ditches, coastal pastures, rocky coastal sites, and cliffs.
Landscape uses: Ahuawa thrives in moist soil and full sun, therefore it is an excellent plant for the outside pond. The color of the leaves also adds great contrast to accentuate rock features.
Extra Info: Hawaiians use the pounded stems of this plant to strain pulp out of awa- a drink made from the pound root of the awa plant Piper methysticum.
Ahuawa