Dianella sandwicensis

Description:

Ukiuki, Hawaiian dianella*AsphodelaceaeEndemic to the Hawaiian Islands (Kauai, Oahu, Lnai, Molokai, Maui, Hawaii Island)Photo: Aiea Ridge Trail, Koolau Mts., OahuIt was a windy day on the ridge!Early Hawaiian used the leaves to braid into cordage and for hale (house) thatching.EtymologyThe generic name Dianella is from the Roman deity Diana (lit., divine), goddess of chastity, hunting, and the moon, and the Latin ella is diminutive or small.The species name sandwicensis refers to the "Sandwich Islands," as the Hawaiian Islands were once called, and named by James Cook on one of his voyages in the 1770's. James Cook named the islands after John Montagu (The fourth Earl of Sandwich) for supporting Cook's voyages._____* Though apparently not fully recognized yet, there are at least three distinctive species of Dianella native to the Hawaiian Islands: Dianella lavarum, D. multipedicellata and D. sandwicensis.nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/