History

Phormium, otherwise known as New Zealand flax is a genera of plants that originate in New Zealand. The original species, from which the new coloured hybrids have arisen, can be divided into two main groups.

Phormium tenax, also known in the native Maori language as harakeke, has been traditionally used by the Maori people for making baskets, mats, clothes and other items. Seedlings of tenax can be variable fro dark brown to green and are not necessarily true to type, however through a breeding programme, a selected line is available Phormium tenax is characterised by its bold and upright appearance.

Phormium cookianum is commonly known as mountain flax and wharaiki by the Maori people. It is smaller with softer drooping leaves, and the leaves are thinner than tenax. It has also been used for making mats in the early days.

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NOTE: New Zealand Flax should not be confused with flaxes found in other parts of the world, for example the flaxes used for the production of linen or rope.