Common Name: Wharariki

General Information

Phormium colensoi is a evergreen perennial plant, forming a clump of leaves and spreading by means of stout rhizomes. The erect leaves are of a hard, tough texture, rigid except at the tip, around 10 - 12cm wide and around 60 - 150cm tall. A flowering stem up to 3 metres tall is produced in the summer[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials. It is grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

The root is highly purgative[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

New Zealand - North, South and Stewart Islands

Habitat

Coastal cliffs to mountain slopes, locally dominant on shady faces in high country, North, South and Stewart Islands[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	1.20 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Phormium colensoi is moderately cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c[].
Prefers a rich loamy soil[] but is not too fussy, succeeding in peaty soils and in boggy moorland[]. Tolerates light shade[] but prefers full sun[]. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn[]. Very tolerant of maritime exposure, this species is recommended for coastal plantings[, ].
Polymorphic, there are many named varieties[]. This species often hybridizes with P. tenax and there are many cultivars of uncertain origin.
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[].

Edible Uses

The roasted seed is used as a coffee substitute[].

An edible nectar is obtained from the flowers[].

An edible gum is obtained from the base of the leaves[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A high quality pliable fibre is obtained from the leaves[].

A gum found at the base of the leaves is used as a paper glue[].

Propagation

The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Sow stored seed in late winter in a cold frame. Germination is sometimes poor but should take place in 1 - 6 months at 15°c. The seedlings are very variable. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed remains viable for about 12 months in normal storage[].
Division in spring as growth commences. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.