In the Garden
Michael Miyashiro
Carex
LATIN NAME
Carex wahuensis
Description: These graceful sedges form thick clumps and reach heights of about 3 feet. They have long, slender, dark green blades, each measuring about a half-inch across at the base, tapering to a narrow elongated apex. Tiny flowers emerge on the upper portion of long stalks called spikes. Once pollinated, the flowers become small seedlike fruit called achenes. They're very beautiful.
Distribution: This species can be found in dry forest and mesic areas from near the coast to upper elevations of about 3,000 feet, usually on ridges or under story slopes, on cliffs and gulches on all the main islands except Kahoolawe and Niihau, although they might have been found there in the past.
Carex is available at the Home Depot for under $6.
Cultural and other uses: The long slender blades can be used to accentuate leis, and I've seen them used recently in flower arrangements.
Landscape use and care: Carex looks absolutely awesome in landscapes. They can be used either as accents around larger landscaping stones and at the base of other plants, or as border plantings to define walkways and edges. Their fine, fibrous roots are great for controlling erosion, and they can be planted as a mass ground cover, even on steep slopes. These plants are highly versatile and can handle moderate to little watering, as well as full sun to partial shade. They also stand up well in areas of high winds.
Although there is no known Hawaiian name for this plant, that doesn't mean that it never had one; most likely, it was lost over the years. As common and beautiful as this plant is, it would be hard to believe that Hawaiians didn't recognize and name it.
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