Astelia grandis

Family: Asteliaceae

What it is like

Astelia grandis is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

Swampy, ± peaty soils from lowland to montane areas in North and South Islands, south to latitude 45°s

New Zealand

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - raw. Sweet, fleshy and juicy, it is pleasant to eat. The orange-coloured fruit is about 10mm in diameter.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 1

A soft brown fibre is obtained from the leaves. It has a variety of uses.

Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.

How it is grown

Requires a damp humus-rich fertile soil in sun or semi-shade, sheltered from cold drying winds. Prefers a moist soil and a cool position. This species is not very cold-hardy. It tolerates temperatures down to about -3°cc, and possibly even lower for short periods. It might succeed outdoors in the milder parts of the country. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagating it: Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse. Germination can be very slow, sometimes taking more than 12 months. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade for at least the first winter in a greenhouse. Plant out in late spring or early summer once they are 15cm or more tall. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. nervosa grandis.