Wharariki, Mountain flax
Phormium colensoi

Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 1.2 m tall. The leaves are 2 m long. The flowers are green, yellow or orange. The fruit are twisted seed pods.

Also put in the family Hemerocallidaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows on coastal cliffs and mountain slopes in New Zealand. It can grow in light shade. It is best in moist or wet soil. It can tolerate exposure to seaside conditions. It is hardy to hardiness zone 8. Hobart Botanical gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Britain, Europe, New Zealand (country/location of origin), Tasmania

How it is used for food

The roasted seeds are used as a coffee substitute. An edible gum is obtained from the base of the leaves. Caution: The roots are highly purgative.

Edible parts

Flower nectar, gum

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. They can be slow to germinate. Plants can also be grown by division.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Phormium cookianum Le Jol.; Phormium cookianum subsp. hookeri (Gunn) Wardle; Phormium forsterianum Hook. [Invalid]: Phormium hookeri Gunn;