Dwarf cabbage tree, Pigmy cabbage tree
Cordyline pumilio

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A dwarf cabbage tree. It often grows very close to the ground with almost no stem. The stem can be 100 cm high. The leaves are 30-100 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The flowers have a strong scent. The flower panicles can be 60 cm long.

There are 15-20 Cordyline species. Also put in the family Laxmanniaceae.

Where it is found

It grows in forests, swamps and rocky locations in the North Island of New Zealand. It needs a well-composted, moist, well-drained soil. It needs a sheltered partly shaded position. It is resistant to forst but damaged by drought.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, New Zealand (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The sweet, fleshy underground stems or rhizomes are steamed or baked and eaten. The central pith of the trunk can be steamed and eaten. The central core or base of the young leaves emerging from the stem is diced and eaten raw or cooked.

Edible parts

Cabbage

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seed or by division.

Its other names

Local names

Ti koraha

Synonyms

Terminalis pumilio (Hook.f.) Kuntze;