KILIOOPU OR NUTGRASS
Cyperus rotundus—Sedge Family (Cyperaceae)

Common along the trails and roadsides and on the Kau desert in the Kilauea section, the nutgrass is actually a sedge. As the illustration shows, the "rays" commonly extend in threes. The hard, dark tubers on the roots have given the common name to this plant. The leaves are slender and pointed, and are grouped about the base of the stem. Common on East Maui as well as on Hawaii, the kilioopu is found in many parts of the world in tropical and subtropical climes.

As is characteristic of members of the sedge family, it has a stem which is triangular in cross-section.

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TIBOUCHINA
Tibouchina semidecandra—Melastome Family (Melastomaceae)

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One of the first flowering plants noticed by the visitor who approaches the park from the Hilo side, is the Tibouchina. A native of Brazil, it has bright purple flowers, red buds and hairy leaves, silver on the underside. It grows to a height of 15 feet and quickly takes over an area into which it is introduced.

Degener states that this plant was brought to the Hawaiian Islands about 1910 as an ornamental. He believes that it is one of the worst threats to native plants because its vigorous growth smothers all other vegetation.

TRITONIA
X Tritonia crocosmaeflora—Iris Family (Iridaceae)

You can see the bright orange flowers of this iris in moist areas along trails and roadsides throughout many parts of the park. The slender, lilylike leaves grow to 18 or more inches in length. It grows rapidly in places where the native cover has been disturbed. A hybrid or cross between two African plants, the Tritonia reproduces commonly by means of corms (bulbs) which resemble small onions. These underground corms become so thick in some localities that the only successful means of removing the plant is to remove the entire top layer of soil.

This plant is often called montbretia.

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GINGERLILY
Hedychium coronarium—Ginger Family (Zingiberaceae)

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The gingerlily with its large head of white or yellow flowers having a gardenia-like fragrance is a common plant in the headquarters area at Kilauea. It is a native of the Orient, and was brought to Hawaii as an ornamental plant. Spreading by means of underground roots, the gingerlily has escaped cultivation and has taken over many areas in the park, especially in the residential section. Commonly called "ginger," the flowers of the gingerlily are favored for making fragrant leis.

A native ginger, called awapuhi, is found growing at lower elevations on Hawaii as well as in many other tropical places.