`Ahu `awa haole;   Pu`uka`a haole

Cyperus alternifolius

 Native of Madagascar, this clumping leafless perennial is popularly cultivated as an ornamental in water settings. It appears to be a miniature version of the papyrus.  In its native country and elsewhere this sedge is used in making plaited mats, baskets, or other woven objects.  The slender triangular solid stalks or clum are one to five feet long with an umbrella shaped spiral of 20 leaf-like 8” bracts at the top.  The flowers are tiny yellow-green to brown fuzzy clusters.