Plant Details

Phormium tenax

New Zealand flax

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Phormium tenax.

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General Information

Scientific name: Phormium tenax
Also known as: New Zealand flax

Plant Properties

Layer: Shrub
Size: Small
Height: 3.00 m
Width: 2.00 m
Growth Rate: Fast
Leaf: Evergreen

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 8-10
Soil Moisture:
Moist, Wet
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Partial shade, Full sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Gum, Coffee, Nectar
Edibility:
(2)
Medicinal:
(0)
Features:
Adhesive, Alcohol, Basketry, Dye, Fibre, Gum, Paper, Carbon farming

Description

The roasted seed is used as a substitute for coffee. The flowers produce edible nectar, and edible gum is harvested from the underside of the leaves.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/09
End of Harvest: 30/11