Introduction

Dianella sandwicensis (Hook. & Arnott) is an indigenous lily of Hawai'i of the family Liliaceae. The Lily family contains approximately 4000 species which are mostly perrenial herbs. Some related plants of the ukiuki within the family Liliaceae are asparagus (Asparagus Officinalis), onion (Allium cepa), garlic (A. sativum), and other lily flower species.
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Ukiuki is found at elevations ranging from 610 to 1830 meters. Its favored habit includes cool air, dry soil, and full sunlight.

Interesting habitat data which suggestes that it can tolerate dry conditions.

My interest in this particular plant lies in the traditional Hawaiian use of ukiuki to make cordage. Making ukiuki cordage requires dried leaves which are obtained from a living plant. These leaves may be heated over a fire or within an imu and then left in the sun for a few days. At this point the leaves are ready to be braided into cordage.

Ukiuki cordage has been reported primarily as lashing material in house construction and other possible uses as well.

The purpose of this study is to document the anatomy of the leaves, stem, and root of D. sandwicensis. Analysis of this data by comparison with other monocot plants may reveal interesting peculiarities of ukiuki and a reason why it is used by Hawaiians for cordage.

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Introduction

Background Information

Ukiuki is found at elevations ranging from 610 to 1830 meters. Its favored habit includes cool air, dry soil, and full sunlight.

Ukiuki cordage has been reported primarily as lashing material in house construction and other possible uses as well.