Story: Flax and flax working

New Zealand flax species

New Zealand flax species

There are two species of New Zealand flax. Phormium tenax (left), also known as harakeke or swamp flax, has stiff leaves, red flowers, and upright seed pods. It grows mainly on lowland swamps throughout New Zealand. Phormium cookianum (right), also known as wharariki or mountain flax, has softer leaves and yellow flowers. The seed pods droop and twist, becoming thin and papery with age. This species is found on mountain slopes and coastal cliffs.

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Landcare Research – Manaaki Whenua
Photographs by Robert Lamberts and Sue Scheele

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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/10377/new-zealand-flax-species (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 24 Sep 2007