Monday, November 12, 2007

Kunai Grass




Kunai grass (imperata arundinacea) is a tough long-bladed grass that can grow taller than a man.

Here on the Kokoda Track it is being used as thatching on a hut. It is very tough and long lasting, so perfect for the job.

I was able to post some new photos on my Vietnam blog today - it is a 13th century pagoda outside Hanoi.

18 comments:

Annie said...

It looks like it might be a wonderful medium for basket weaving too.

Bergson said...

astonishing opposition enters a castle a little too new and the bulding

Daniel J Santos said...

beautiful photos, well done.

Anonymous said...

Thatching never caught on in America and I never understood why since it was or still is the perfect material to roof a house. I like your photo a lot. Brings back lots of Japanese memories.

The Queen Piping

dive said...

I love thatched roofs, Jules. We have a lot of them in Norfolk (the studio is thatched), though the fire insurance really sucks!

Web-OJ said...

They look like they're having fun!

M.Benaut said...

I wonder how they get down from the top when the job is finished.
Are there a lot of finished roofs with boys stuck on the top ?

dr. filomena said...

Thanks for sharing these lovely photos and the info! Over here, people used to use straw for roofs in the north-east part of the country bordering on Hungary...

BTW I'd like to invite you over to my blog for a virtual cupcake :-)

Dr. Filomena

Tom said...

It's show just how resourceful they are, use what grow or is found locally, eat it, wear it, or build your home in it.

How good it that.

Ann (MobayDP) said...

Maybe I should get some of this thatch for my roof! It's been leaking recently! :(

quintarantino said...

That makes a lovely roof... and good too.
By the way, that boat in front of your house velongs to Tom (old Tom Tigley... but it's a secret!!!)

Tom said...

'Tis true,
I hold my hands up.…
I am really a good looking, slim, long-haired muli-millionare who as come to rescue Lady Jule's from the clutches of the evil H.W.D.B.
A terrible organisation trying to control the worlds interweb.

( He takes very good pictures though )

Clueless in Boston said...

Is thatching a roof a community event, or does each homeowner do his own? I think I remember hearing that a thatched roof can last a very long time, is that true in the tropics as well?

NorthBayPhoto said...

Great photos and wonderful information. The guys tending to the roof seem pretty happy.

Chuckeroon said...

So, more muscular pin-up boys to admire. Pure bone and muscle, and not a blob of fat in sight.

Thatching is important here on "heritage" houses in "olde Englishe" villages and the remaining thatchers and reed growers make an extremely good living from this "no longer dead" craft. Nice to see these "local fellas" enjoying themselves and doing a fine job.

Jules said...

tom - you are a scream - we fell about laughing!!!!
m benaut - good question - I guess they slide down ??? I haven;t seen houses with men stuck on them but i guess they could hold onto the TV antennae.

Clueless I 'm afraid thatching isn't done as much any more - it is too much hard work and most people use iron or tarps or other stuff. You would have to get a team of guys to do it for you if you needed it.

imac said...

Nice photos Jules, and the chappies look happy too.

Oswegan said...

Nice shots jules.

what the heck are you doing over there anyway?

~Oswegan