Landscape Architect Articles

The Return of Native Grasses to Hawaii02-12-09 | News

The Return of Native Grasses to Hawaii

HDOT contacted the University of Hawaii five years ago to develop hydroseed protocols for two grasses: Akiaki grass (Sporobolus virginicus) and Pili grass (Heteropogon contortus), pictured. The dominant grass in Hawaii prior to the influx of nonnative grasses was probably Pili grass, Christopher Dacus, RLA, Hawaii DOT, told LASN.
Photo: Forest and Kim Starr

Anyone who has spent much time in Hawaii can easily find themselves daydreaming state-side of the islands?EUR??,,????'?????<

Of course, Oahu, home to Honolulu, Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head, is the most built up of the islands, the most inhabited and the least pristine. Here, perish the thought, you actually have Miami-esque high rises on the beach, a freeway, traffic and a mall!

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LASN asked Christopher Dacus, RLA, with Hawaii DOT, about this project. Mr. Dacus explains the majority of Oahu?EUR??,,????'?????<

University of Hawaii horticulturist Dr. Joe DeFrank is also interested in Mau'u aki aki (Fimbristylis cymosa), as a groundcover. Mature seed heads of Mau'u aki aki are doing well at this demonstration planting off Interstate H1 at the University Avenue interchange on Oahu. The plastic sheeting prevents weeds from growing, but also allows seed collecting for this native sedge.
Photo by Dr. Joe DeFrank and graduate research assistant Orville Baldos

Because of the dearth of native plants in the lower elevations, HDOT contacted the University of Hawaii five years ago to develop hydroseed protocols for two grasses: Akiaki grass (Sporobolus virginicus) and Pili grass (Heteropogon contortus).

Hydroseeding highway areas is significantly less expensive than hand planting. Prof. Joe DeFrank, PhD, and graduate research assistant Orville Baldos have been conducting the research for what it simply calls ?EUR??,,????'?????<

The dominant grass in Hawaii prior to nonnative grasses was probably Pili grass, explains Mr. Dacus. ?EUR??,,????'?????<

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Dr. DeFrank is also interested in Mau?EUR??,,????'?????<

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None of the native groundcovers being researched will require permanent irrigation or mowing. The benefits are multiple: reduced maintenance, no gas emissions from mowers, blowers, soil erosion prevention, keeping out invasive species and no use of chemical herbicides.