kohekohe-1
kohekohe-1
Stems
Kohekohe
(Eleocharis calva & E. obtusa) is another Sedge. It grows in wet areas and
closely resembles makaloa in its appearance. However, it has a terminal
inflorescence while makaloa has a lateral inflorescence. The stem is the major photosynthetic organ. Its leaves are more
substantial than those of makaloa but contribute little to photosynthesis.
One of the kohekohe leaves forms a cylindrical sheath which encircles the lower part of the stem. This is the structure that was used to make the pawehe designs in moena makali'i mats.
E. calva
Herbarium Specimen from the Bishop Museum |
Base of Herbarium sample showing the Leaf which surrounds the Stem |
E. calva in
nature Waimea Arboretum |
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Cross-section through living E. calva at the base of the Stem (Unstained above) & stained with Toluidine Blue (right). The Vascular Bundles occur at the periphery of the stem. Click the Green Area to see the Aerenchyma Cells. |
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| Section through living E. calva stem lightly stained with Toluidine Blue. | Section through
unstained E. calva Stem: The Photosynthetic tissue is located just beneath the Epidermis. |
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 Section of E. calva stained with Toluidine Blue: Note the small clusters of Fibers near the Epidermis. The blue color shows the presence of Lignin. |
 Photosynthetic Parenchyma Cells from the picture above. The Fibers appear yellow in this specimen. |
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