Kawelu
Eragrostis variabilis
- Native to:
- Guam, Hawaii, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, United States
iNaturalist: © emmett_24 (iNaturalist #262885954)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Eragrostis
- Species:
- Eragrostis variabilis
- USDA Symbol:
- ERVA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from base after fire; adapted to periodic burning in native Hawaiian coastal and dry habitats.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Native to coastal and arid regions; tolerates saline conditions.
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily with warmth and light; no pretreatment typically required.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds are soaked overnight in water. Prepare seed tray or pots with well drained potting mix. Sow seeds evenly on tray or pots as deep, or up to 3 times as deep, as seed diameter. Water well and evenly.
Establishment: Collect ripe or mature seeds from plants and place in zip-lock or plastic bags. Collect only what you need from plants that have a large enough seed source so that the habitat will not suffer from the collection. Seeds should be cleaned before they are sown.
Source: npn.rngr.net