Phormium tenax

New Zealand Flax

The name Phormium comes from the Greek for ‘basket’.

A truly versatile plant, it is known to the Maori as ‘harakeke’. They traditionally use its tough fibrous leaves for making mats, baskets, clothing, fishing nets and rope. They also use the pollen as face powder and the roots for making medicine.

These qualities have resulted in Phormium being widely cultivated.

Did you know?
Found throughout New Zealand, Phormium was one of the first plants to be discovered when Captain Cook landed in 1773.

Phormium is now an invasive plant in many parts of the world, proving a threat to sensitive floras.

Back up to: temperate house plants

On to: New Zealand Fuchsias