New Zealand flax

Profile

Family

Asphodelaceae

Habit

Shrub

Height

4 m

Spread

6 m

Growth

fast

Lifespan

30 years

First yield

after 7 years

Hardiness

zone 8–11

Shade tolerance

partial shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

semi-dry – near water

pH

5.5 – 7.5

Synonyms

Neuseeländer Flachs, Harareke

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: The roasted seed is used as a coffee substitute. An edible nectar is obtained from the flowers. A long hollow grass stem or straw is used to suck it out from the flowers. An edible gum is obtained from the base of the leaves.

Medicinal: The root contains coumarins and has shown to be cytotoxic. It inhibits blood clotting and is used in Korea for medical purposes to treat migraines, colds, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Other uses: High-quality flexible fiber is extracted from the leaves, which are harvested in summer, scraped, soaked, boiled, ground, and processed into cream-colored paper. The split leaves can be used for nets, coats, sandals, straps, and baskets. A leaf strip can serve as emergency cord in the garden. The pulp of the leaves can be fermented into alcohol, and the contained rubber serves as paper glue. A brown dye is obtained from the flowers without a mordant, while a terracotta dye can be extracted from the seed capsules. The flowers are rich in tannin.

Growing

Prefers a rich loamy soil but can also thrive in peaty and marshy landscapes. Tolerates light shade but prefers full sun. Can grow in fairly coarse grass that is mowed annually in autumn. Thrives in a sheltered position but can also withstand maritime exposure. Plants can tolerate occasional flooding with salty water. Capable of withstanding temperatures down to about -11°C but may die off in very harsh winters. This is a polymorphic species with many named varieties cultivated in Germany. It readily hybridizes with P. colensoi, resulting in numerous named forms that can be hybrids with this species. Considered for commercial cultivation due to its fibers, although mechanical extraction poses challenges due to the presence of rubber in the leaves. Alkali has been successfully used to break down the rubber, but it weakens the fiber. The Maori had selected many different varieties for various purposes. Members of this genus are rarely affected by deer or rabbits.

Propagation

Sow the seeds immediately after they mature in a cold frame. Sow stored seeds in February in a cold frame. Germination may be poor but should occur within 1-6 months at 15°C. Seedlings are highly variable. Once large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them in a greenhouse for at least the first winter. Plant them in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, in their final location. Seeds remain viable for about 12 months under normal storage conditions. Divide in spring as growth begins. Larger divisions can be planted directly into their final location. It is preferable to pot up smaller divisions and cultivate them in partial shade in a cold frame until well established before planting out in late spring or early summer.

Notable

Special features: tolerant to sea wind, flooding, and salt; Leaves for fiber: scraped (outer skin removal) → soaked in water for 2 hours → boiled in lye for 24 hours → beaten in a ball mill for 4 hours; Other leaf strips for tying, knots do not break; Outer leaves are cut diagonally to allow rainwater to drain. There are different varieties for different purposes.

Origin & habitat

New Zealand. Naturalized in Southwest England.

Hedges, scrub, forests, roadsides, banks, etc.

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