Pili Grass Roof

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.

Pili grass roof.

Replicates authentic hawaiian thatched roofs pili grass is a common plant indigenous to hawai i. 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. The soil roots and flowering spikes were trimmed and the pili bunch was ready for use.

Synthetic pili grass by endureed. 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. These days there is a high demand for pili grass and alang alang thatching. Pili grass is used in hawaii.

Pili grass has been used for roofing buildings in hawaii. This grass belongs in the genus heteropogon and the species contortus. Europeans called it tanglehead because the mature seed heads have a tendency to tangle. 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. It s embedded into the culture and history of hawaii. Its scientific name is heteropogon contortus. In europe traditional materials include reed and the less popular straw.

In dominica and fiji palm leaves are the most prevalent thatching materials. Pili grass is also commonly called lule grass spear grass tanglehead and twisted beardgrass. Bali s thatched roofs are usually made of alang alang or ijuk while sugar cane is a commonly used material in kenya. 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.