Practical
Plants

Phormium cookianum

Wharariki

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Family
Agavaceae
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Height
1.2 m
Spread
0.3 m
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

The root is highly purgative[5].

Edible uses

The roasted seed is used as a coffee substitute[5]. An edible nectar is obtained from the flowers[5]. An edible gum is obtained from the base of the leaves[5].

Product or use
Coffee
Product or use
Gum
Product or use
Nectar

Material uses

A high quality pliable fibre is obtained from the leaves[3]. A gum found at the base of the leaves is used as a paper glue[5].

Product or use
Adhesive
Product or use
Fibre
Product or use
Gum

Environment

Range
New Zealand. Naturalized in Britain on the Scilly Isles.
Habitat
Coastal cliffs to mountain slopes, locally dominant on shady faces in high country, North, South and Stewart Islands[9].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
high
Hardiness
Zone 8+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerances
high wind, maritime exposure
Wind
Yes
Maritime
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Sow stored seed in February in a cold frame. Germination is sometimes poor but should take place in 1 - 6 months at 15°c. The seedlings are very variable. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed remains viable for about 12 months in normal storage[1]. Division in spring as growth commences. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Cultivation

Prefers a rich loamy soil[1] but is not too fussy, succeeding in peaty soils and in boggy moorland[2]. Tolerates light shade[1] but prefers full sun[7]. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn[8]. Very tolerant of maritime exposure, this species is recommended for coastal plantings[4][6]. Hardy to about -10°c[6]. Polymorphic, there are many named varieties[7]. This species often hybridizes with P. tenax and there are many cultivars of uncertain origin. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[8].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩

  3. Brooker. S. G., Cambie. R. C. and Cooper. R. C. Economic Native Plants of New Zealand. Oxford University Press 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-19-558229-2

    ↩

  4. Taylor. J. The Milder Garden. Dent 1990-00-00

    ↩

  5. Crowe. A. Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Hodder and Stoughton 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-340-508302

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  6. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

    ↩1↩2

  7. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2

  8. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩1↩2

  9. Allan. H. H. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer, Wellington. 1961-00-00

    ↩

Edit this page