Broad-leafed cabbage tree
Cordyline indivisa
Family: Asparagaceae
What it is like
A robust tree. It has a single stem. The trunk is stout. It develops a large head of sword shaped leaves. These often have a purple colour. They are 1.8 m long and 12 cm wide. The flowers are creamy white. They are on 1 m long branched panicles. It has purple berries.
There are 15-20 Cordyline species. Also put in the family Laxmanniaceae.
Where it is found
It is a warm temperate plant. It grows in wet forests. It grows in high rainfall cool mountainous regions in New Zealand. It needs a light to medium, well-drained soil. It can grow in a shaded position. It is resistant to frost but damaged by drought. It suits hardiness zones 9-10. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Britain, Europe, New Zealand (country/location of origin), Tasmania
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit, leaves, root, stem, seeds
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seeds.
Its other names
Local names
Blue dracaena, Mountain cabbage tree, Toi