Makaloa or Smooth flatsedge Cyperaceae Indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands Oʻahu (Cultivated)

Makaloa is found elsewhere in Polynesia, but only early Hawaiians used them to plait mats. (read more about these beautiful mats at the link below) Medicinally, the stalks were crushed to a fine powder and used to treat deep cuts, boils, skin ulcers and other skin disorders or taken as a snuff for head colds. Flower and stalk ashes mixed with kukui nut juice was rubbed on tongue for general debility.

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