Plant Profile
Bolboschoenus maritimus subsp. paludosus
Kaluhā, Makai
Main Plant Information
Genus
Bolboschoenus
Species
maritimus
Subspecies
- paludosus
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Kaluhā
- Makai
Hawaiian Names
- Kaluha
- Makai
Common Names
- Bulrush
- Makai sedge
- Saltmarsh bulrush
Synonyms
- Scirpus campestris
Plant Characteristics
Distribution Status
Indigenous
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Non-Woody, Clumping
Mature Size, Height
- Grass-like, Tall, Greater than or equal to 2.5
Mature Size, Width
Each plant spreads by rhizomes out to two or more feet into an indistinguishable mass of vegetation.
Life Span
Short lived (Less than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Ground Cover
- Specimen Plant
- Container
- Accent
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Characteristics
Flower Type
Not Showy
Flower Colors
- Brownish
Additional Flower Color Information
Plants have from three to numerous pale brown flower spikelets.
Blooming Period
- Year Round
- Sporadic
Additional Blooming Period Information
In Hawaii, kaluhā sends up foliage, flowers and sets of fruits. It then dies back partially or completely year round, unlike those in the continental USA which die back during winter months. Kaluhā reseeds on site. The seeds can also be gathered and stored in the refrigerator for future sowing. Use caution when harvesting seeds as they have small hairs that irritate the skin, inducing a rash-like sensation and appearance. [David Eickhoff, NPH]
Leaf Characteristics
Plant texture
- Coarse
Additional Plant Texture Information
Kaluha leaves range from one to 5 feet in length.
Leaf Colors
- Light Green
- Medium Green
Source of Fragrance
No Fragrance
Pests and Diseases
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Kaluhā can attract ants, scale, thrips, mealy bugs and aphids.
Growth Requirements
Fertilizer
If planted in containers that hold water, some fertilizer is appreciated. Be cautious of excessive nitrogen which can produce green algae in water, especially during summer months. No fertilizer is necessary in large water features such as fish ponds because the plants will receive their nutrient needs from the watery habitat. Never apply fertilizer to any natural wetlands sites. [David Eickhoff, NPH]
Pruning Information
Prune dead foliage and spent seed stalks as needed or allow seeds to drop into water for natural re-seeding.
Water Requirements
Wet
Additional Water Information
Kaluhā grows naturally in and at the edge of water features such as ponds, lakes, shorelines, and estuaries in fresh, brackish and saline water. This hardy sedge can tolerate extremes, from being completely submerged in water to periods of drought. During droughts they will die back to the ground into a dormancy. In the landscape it is therefore recommended to keep the plants moist to very wet at all times so as not to initiate dormancy.
Soil must be well drained
No
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Additional Lighting Information
This sedge performs best in full sun but will tolerate some shade.
Spacing Information
Kaluhā has a spreading rhizome root structure, so plant them at least one foot apart.
Tolerances
- Waterlogged Soil
- Drought
- Brackish Water
- Wind
- Salt Spray
Soils
- Clay
- Sand
- Organic
Limitations
Kaluhā are naturally perennial but sometimes perform mre like annuals. Though the plants can survive occasional periods of drought, they will die back if the ground dries out, but will appear with the next rain or flooding.
Environment and Miscellaneous
Natural Zones
- Less than 150, 0 to 50
- Less than 150, 50 to 100
- Less than 150, Greater than 100
Natural Range
- Niʻihau
- Kauaʻi
- Oʻahu
- Molokaʻi
- Maui
- Hawaiʻi
Additional Growth Environment Information
Kaluhā occurs in moist to very wet coastal sites, in fresh or brackish water up to 3 feet deep.
Special Notes and Information
The native sedges comprise nearly sixty native species, many of which are endemic, in the Sedge family (Cyperaceae).
Early Hawaiian Use:
This indigenous sedge was not known to be used by early settlers in the Hawaiian Islands. However, in other parts of the world the seeds were used as a food source. [1] The leaves were used in making baskets [2], mats, sandals, and clothing. [1]
Landscape Uses:
Kaluhā grows with a soil pH of 6.0-9.0 in fine clay, silty loam, or sand and is tolerant of alkaline and saline soils. The roots form a thick interwoven mass that helps with soil erosion in wetlands sites and filters waste products from the water. [1]
This sedge is excellent for reconstructing natural Hawaiian wetlands and provides a food source and shelter for native waterfowl. [1]
Kaluhā naturally grows with other sedges such as makaloa ( Cyperus laevigatus ) and can be used likewise in water features in the landscape. [David Eickhoff, NPH]
Additional References
[1] http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantab/bolbomari.htm [Accessed 10/7/09]
[2] http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242357004 [Accessed 10/7/09]
