stands tall in the wetland margins

Size
Height: 150–250 cm
Lifespan
20–30 years
Diet
Photosynthetic. Draws energy from sunlight. Obtains nutrients from moist, fertile soils in wetland and coastal environments.
Habitat
Wetlands, swamps, stream banks, coastal cliffs and open areas. Prefers moist, fertile soils with full sun to partial shade. Tolerates salt spray, wind and drought.
Range
Throughout New Zealand from Northland to Stewart Island. Most common in coastal and lowland areas. Also found on Chatham Islands and Norfolk Island.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Habitat loss from wetland drainage and coastal development is primary threat. No significant pest or disease issues. Protection of wetlands important.
Population
Populations considered stable and widespread. Species common in wetlands and coastal areas throughout New Zealand. Not considered threatened.
Conservation Status
Not Threatened
Human Risk
caution
Handling Note
sharp leaf edges cause lacerations, wear long pants when walking through
Conservation Note
Endemic flax species; widespread and common throughout New Zealand.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
In Māori tradition, harakeke is one of most important plants. Leaves used for weaving baskets or kete, mats or whāriki, and clothing. Fibres used for rope or taura and fishing nets or kupenga. Nectar from flowers collected as sweet drink. Roots and gum used medicinally. Central to Māori culture and identity. Taonga or treasure. Gift from ancestors. Whakapapa woven into stories of iwi.
Tūī feed on its nectar. Phormium tenax is one of New Zealand's most important and iconic plants. A flax that is a treasure. The leaves are long, sword-like, and green. Reaching two metres in length. Extremely strong and fibrous. Tough, leathery texture. Leaf margins and midrib often edged with orange or red. Distinctive feature of species. Plant that is beautiful and useful. Plant produces tall, branched flower spikes. Can reach up to 4 metres in height. Flowers are red or yellow. Tubular and full of nectar. Appear in summer. Attractive to tūī, bellbirds, and other native birds. Which feed on nectar. Flowers followed by long, curved seed pods. Containing shiny, black seeds. Harakeke was used extensively by Māori. For weaving, rope-making, fishing nets, and medicinal purposes. Leaves were soaked to soften them. Then woven into baskets or kete. Mats or whāriki. And clothing. Fibres used for rope or taura. And fishing nets or kupenga. Nectar collected as sweet drink. Roots and gum used medicinally. Plant that fed, clothed, and healed. Plant is taonga or treasure of Māori world. Central to Māori culture and identity. Also important plant for native birds. Providing food and shelter. To find harakeke is to walk wetlands and coastal cliffs of New Zealand. Wetland is damp. Harakeke grows. Sword-like leaves edged with red. Flower spikes tall against sky. Tūī feed on nectar. Weaver strips leaves. Plant does not know it is taonga. Does not know it is central to culture. It just wants to grow. That is what flax does. And that seems to be enough.