Without it, the coastal cliff is just rock. With it, there are stars. Arthropodium cirratum is known as rengarenga or NZ rock lily. It is a striking coastal plant. With broad, strappy leaves and tall sprays of white star-shaped flowers. The roots were eaten by Māori. The plant was cultivated in gardens. Edible roots historically. Not a "kitchen herb" now, but culturally important. The leaves are broad, strap-shaped, dark green. Up to 60 centimetres long. They form a dense clump. The flowers are white, star-shaped, with six petals. Held on tall stems above the leaves. The roots are thick, fleshy tubers. Rengarenga grows on coastal cliffs, rocky outcrops, in open forest. It tolerates salt spray. It tolerates wind. It tolerates drought. The name rengarenga is the Māori name. The roots were cooked and eaten. They are sweet, with a nutty flavour. The plant was also used medicinally. The species is endemic to New Zealand. It is found only here. The genus name Arthropodium means jointed foot. Referring to the flower stalks. The species name cirratum means curled. Referring to the curling anthers. In gardens, rengarenga is valued as a coastal plant. It is drought-tolerant. It is low-maintenance. It has attractive flowers and foliage. Rengarenga is not threatened. It is common in coastal areas. But coastal development reduces its habitat. Arthropodium cirratum is a reminder. A plant with edible roots. A plant with cultural significance. A plant that is still here. Still common. Still used. To find it is to look on the coastal cliffs. Look for the broad leaves. Look for the white star flowers. It is a plant of the exposed places. A survivor of the salt and wind. Populations are common in coastal areas of the North Island and northern South Island. Also found on offshore islands. Not threatened. No significant threats. Coastal development may reduce habitat in some areas.