Story: Flax and flax working

Feeding on flax flowers

Feeding on flax flowers

A tūī feeds on the red flowers of Phormium tenax, the more common of the two species of New Zealand flax. In spring, tūī and bellbirds are attracted to the flower’s sweet nectar. While feeding, the birds also carry pollen from plant to plant, which results in the production of seed in long pods.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10059681
Photograph by Damien Toman

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Flax and flax working - New Zealand flax', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/10374/feeding-on-flax-flowers (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 24 Sep 2007