WB01343_.gif (599 bytes)      'uki'uki-1     WB01345_.gif (616 bytes)

UkiUkiBall400.jpg (63985 bytes)'Uki'uki (Dianella sandwichensis) is a member of the Lily family. Its leaves contain Fibrovascular Bundles which can be used to make cordage. 'Uki'uki was the preferred cordage for house construction. It was especially useful for the attachment of pili thatch to the outer walls and the roof.

UkiUki.jpg (96550 bytes)
'Uki'uki Flowers: These are quite attractive but are rather small.		 UKIUKI1Plant.jpg (57895 bytes)
'Uki'uki Leaves: The stem is subterranean. The leaves have a waxy surface which makes them shine.
UkiUkiLfMacroVeins600Lab.jpg (142345 bytes)
Surface view of 'uki'uki leaves. Note the many parallel veins. These are Fibrovascular Bundles!
UkiUkimr1Lab.jpg (145965 bytes) Midvein from 'uki'uki leaf. It consists of one large Fibrovascular Bundle. The blue color indicates the presence of Lignified Fibers which provide strength for the leaf and for the twine made from it.
UkiUkiTBLab.jpg (122394 bytes) Smaller Fibrovascular Bundles are present in the leaf blade. These also contribute to the 'uki'uki cordage.

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