Harakeke

Phormium tenax

Swamp flax

LOCATION: Harakeke is one of Aotearoa’s most ancient and distinctive native plants, and it grows throughout the North and South islands.

USES: It is the principal weaving plant, and many weavers use named forms selected for leaf pliability, colour and fibre quality.

Leaf strips are used in raranga, the plaiting of kete (containers) and whāriki (mats). Extracted fibre (muka or whītau) is used to make traditional kākahu (cloaks), and for cordage. Today, harakeke is also used in non-traditional ways to create original and exciting works of art. (Manaaki Whenua)

More about Māori Flax Weaving from Te Ara Encyclopaedia

BIRDS:  Tūī and other birds love the nectar from the harakeke flower and can often be seen dining on them throughout the Park.