Kiekie
Freycinetia baueriana subsp. banksii

Family: Pandanaceae

What it is like

A climber. It climbs by aerial roots which attach to cracks etc. The leaves are long and grass like. It twists as it climbs. The flowers are creamy-mauve. They are 10-12 cm long. These have thick cream bracts around them. The fruit are in groups of 3 cobs. These are 5-10 cm long. Each one is a mass of green berries.

There are about 100-175 Freycinetia species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

New Zealand

How it is used for food

The large fleshy flower bracts are eaten raw or made into jelly. The ripe fruit are also eaten.

Edible parts

Flowers, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Freycinetia banksii A.Cunn.;