weaves through coastal sand dune scrub

Size
Height: 60–120 cm
Lifespan
10–20 years
Diet
Not applicable as this is a flax. Photosynthetic. Flowers are rich in nectar, attracting tūī, bellbirds, and other native birds.
Habitat
Coastal cliffs, sand dunes, stream banks and forest margins. Prefers moist, well-drained 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 areas and lowland forests. Also found on the Chatham Islands.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Habitat loss from coastal development is the primary threat. Climate change affects coastal habitats. No significant pest or disease issues. Protection of coastal margins is important.
Population
Populations are considered stable and widespread. The species is common in coastal areas throughout New Zealand. It is threatened by ongoing coastal development. Protection of coastal margins is important.
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; restricted to South Island and Stewart Island.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
In Māori tradition, wharariki was used for weaving when harakeke was not available. The fibres are softer but less durable. The nectar from the flowers was collected as a sweet drink. The twisted seed pods were noted. The name wharariki means abundant or spreading. Wharariki was also used medicinally. It was a plant of the coast. Gathered by those who knew the cliffs and dunes. A resource from the exposed places. A sweet nectar from the red flowers. A softer fibre for lighter weaves. A twisted pod that marked the plant as different from its famous cousin.
It is not harakeke. Wharariki is also known as mountain flax. It is a smaller relative of harakeke (Phormium tenax). It has drooping, yellow-green leaves and twisted seed pods. The leaves are softer and more flexible than those of harakeke. They arch outward from the centre of the clump. The flower stalks are tall and slender. They bear clusters of tubular red or yellow flowers. These hang like bells from the stem. The flowers are rich in nectar. They attract tūī, bellbirds, and other native birds. The nectar was collected by Māori as a sweet drink. Often by squeezing the base of the flower into the mouth. The twisted seed pods are a distinctive feature. They curve and spiral as they dry. They stand upright above the leaves. A sculptural element in the coastal landscape. Wharariki is more tolerant of cold and coastal conditions than harakeke. It grows on coastal cliffs, sand dunes, and in lowland forests. Often in exposed sites where harakeke would struggle. It is hardy and adaptable. It withstands salt spray, strong winds, and drought. The roots go deep into the sand or cliff face. They anchor the plant against the wind. The fibres were used by Māori for weaving. But harakeke was preferred because wharariki fibres are weaker and less durable. The plant was used when harakeke was not available. Or for items that did not need to be as strong. The leaves were also used for thatching. Providing a waterproof layer for shelters. The plant has a distinctive appearance. The leaves droop at the tips. This gives the clump a weeping, graceful shape. The colour is a pale yellow-green. Lighter than the deep green of harakeke. The twisted seed pods are the most reliable way to tell the two species apart. Harakeke has upright, straight pods. Wharariki has pods that twist and curl as they mature. Wharariki is also known as mountain flax because it grows at higher altitudes than harakeke. It can be found in subalpine areas. It survives heavy snow and frost. The plant is an important food source for native birds in these high places. It provides nectar when other flowers are scarce. To find wharariki is to walk the coastal cliffs and sand dunes. Or to climb the lower mountain slopes. Look for the drooping, yellow-green leaves. The twisted seed pods. The flowers attract birds. A flash of red in the green. It is a flax of the coast. A plant of the exposed places. A survivor of the wind and the salt. It is not as famous as its cousin harakeke. But it is just as important to the birds and the insects and the people who know where to find it.