Astelia nervosa

Family: Asteliaceae

What it is like

Astelia nervosa is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. 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, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay 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): 0.5

Where it is found

Forest and grassland in the montane to sub-alpine zone between latitudes 37 and 47° south.

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.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

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. Also succeeds in clay soils. It only succeeds in a sunny position if the soil does not dry out. Plants are hardy to about -10°c, but are best when grown in moist maritime gardens. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. Plants seldom fruit in cultivation.

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: 8-11

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. montana. A. nervosa montana.