Pili Grass Roof

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

Pili grass roof. We prefer the term pili grass though. Synthetic pili grass by endureed. You can use this unique tiki hut gazebo as an extension of your outdoor living space to put outdoor furniture or hammocks under. In hawaii lauhala and pili grass are used.

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. In hawaiian pili means to cling or stick. Pili grass scientifically known as heteropogon contortus is one of 80 grass species believed to be native to the far west american islands. Pili grass has been used for roofing buildings in hawaii.

The blades of these grasses are tough and strong. In dominica and fiji palm leaves are the most prevalent thatching materials. Its scientific name is heteropogon contortus. All with the same intention in mind to give your home or business the perfect tropical shade covering.

The soil roots and flowering spikes were trimmed and the pili bunch was ready for use. Europeans called it tanglehead because the mature seed heads have a tendency to tangle. Replicates authentic hawaiian thatched roofs pili grass is a common plant indigenous to hawai i. 1 6 8 pili was harvested by uprooting a bunch.

These days there is a high demand for pili grass and alang alang thatching. And in florida traditionally we use our native sabal palm thatch. It s embedded into the culture and history of hawaii. 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.

Pili grass is also commonly called lule grass spear grass tanglehead and twisted beardgrass.