spears up on the chatham island cliffs

Size
Height: 0.6–1 m, Spread: 0.8–1.5 m, silvery arching
Lifespan
10–20 years
Diet
Not applicable - autotrophic. Photosynthetic flax-like plant. Obtains nutrients from well-drained soils in exposed coastal environments.
Habitat
Coastal cliffs, rocky shores and open areas on the Chatham Islands. Prefers well-drained soils with full sun to partial shade. Tolerates salt spray, wind and drought.
Range
Chatham Islands only. Endemic to the Chatham Islands (Rēkohu). Not found on mainland New Zealand. Restricted distribution but populations remain stable.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Habitat loss from coastal development is the primary threat. Climate change affecting coastal habitats. No significant pest or disease issues currently recorded.
Population
Populations are considered stable on the Chatham Islands. The species is endemic to the Chatham Islands and not found on the mainland. It is 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 Chatham Islands astelia; widespread on Chatham Island group.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
In Moriori and Māori tradition on the Chatham Islands (Rēkohu), this plant was known for its strong, silvery leaves. The leaves were used for weaving and for thatching. The bright orange berries were eaten by birds. The silver colour was admired. It was a plant of the islands, gathered by those who knew the coast, a resource from the remote shores, a silver leaf in the wind, a bright berry for the birds.
The Chatham Islands are far away. Astelia chathamica never leaves. It is a spectacular, flax-like plant with long, broad, silvery-green leaves that arch gracefully. They form a large, dramatic clump. The leaves are sword-like, up to one metre in length. They have a smooth, leathery texture. The silver colour is striking. It gives the plant a luminous, metallic appearance. It stands out against the green of the surrounding vegetation. A spear made of light. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring. The flowers are not showy. They are followed by bright orange berries that persist into autumn. The berries are a valuable food source for birds on the Chatham Islands. A plant that feeds the island. Silver Spear is extremely hardy. It tolerates salt spray, wind and drought. It is perfect for coastal gardens and modern landscapes. It serves as a striking focal point. The silvery foliage provides a bold contrast to green plants. It creates a dramatic statement in the garden. The species is native only to the Chatham Islands (Rēkohu). This is a remote archipelago east of New Zealand. The plants and animals there have evolved in isolation. They produce many endemic species. This plant is one of them. A local. A specialist. To find Silver Spear is to travel to the Chatham Islands. Look for the large, dramatic clumps of silvery-green leaves. Look for the bright orange berries. It is a plant of the remote islands. A silver spear in the wind. It is found nowhere else. It is a unique part of a unique place. The wind blows across the Chathams. Salt spray coats the leaves. The silver spear does not move. It does not need to. It has been here for thousands of years. It will be here when the visitors leave. It does not need to be anywhere else.