Forest cabbage tree
Cordyline banksii
Family: Asparagaceae
What it is like
It is more bushy than other cabbage trees. It grows 4 m high. It usually has several stems. The leaves are 1-2 m long and 4-8 cm wide. They are usually widest in the middle and droop from there. The flower panicle is 1-2 m long. The flowers have a sweet perfume.
There are 15-20 Cordyline species. Also put in the family Laxmanniaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows at higher altitude than common cabbage tree. In New Zealand it grows from sea level to 1050 m altitude. It grows near the edge of the forest. It is resistant to frost but damaged by drought. Arboretum Tasmania. Hobart Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, New Zealand (country/location of origin), Tasmania
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
Leaves, rhizomes, stem pith
How it is grown
Plants can be raised from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Ti ngahere