Classic Hawaiian weaving plant spotted thriving on Oahu's North Shore
iNaturalist: mikeuveges
Native Plants
This is the same tree Hawaiians have used for centuries to weave lauhala mats and hats, so spotting a healthy one growing wild near a roadside tells you the tradition's raw material is still out there for the picking.
Someone out walking in Kahuku, Hawaii photographed a thatch screwpine, also called hala, and the sighting got verified by other naturalists as research-grade data. This tree has long spiky leaves and a pineapple-like fruit, and Pacific Islanders have used its leaves for weaving mats, baskets, and roofing for generations.
Key Findings
Observation confirmed as 'research-grade' on iNaturalist, meaning community identifiers agree on the species
Location: Kuilima Drive, Kahuku, Hawaii, a coastal North Shore community on Oahu
Species identified as Pandanus tectorius, commonly known as thatch screwpine or hala
chevron_right Technical Summary
A citizen scientist logged a research-grade sighting of thatch screwpine, a spiky-leaved coastal tree long used for weaving and thatch, growing along Kuilima Drive in Kahuku, Hawaii.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
thatch screwpine (Pandanus tectorius) observed in Kuilima Dr, Kahuku, HI, US
Research-grade observation of thatch screwpine in Kuilima Dr, Kahuku, HI, US.
open_in_new Read full abstractAbstract copyright held by the original publisher.
Species Mentioned
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Pandanus tectorius is a species of Pandanus (screwpine) that is native to Malesia, Papuasia, eastern Australia, and the Pacific Islands. It grows in the coastal lowlands typically near the edge of the ocean. Common names in English include thatch screwpine, Tahitian screwpine, hala tree and panda...