Back to homepage
Questions? AskAuckland
  

Please select root levels for the menu

NZ Plants

Cordyline australis - tī touka, cabbage tree

family: Asparagaceae

Cordyline australis is a palm-like plant with tall stems that bear terminal clusters of strap-shaped leaves. Distinguished from other New Zealand species by its very tall and often many-branched stems. Cordyline is a genus of 15 species, five of which are native to New Zealand and the remainder distributed from India to Polynesia and South America.
An endemic species found throughout New Zealand that reaches its greatest size in lowland and swampy areas.

The leaves are a source of strong fibre which has many uses, e.g., in ropes, capes and ketes . 

Leaves as a source of fibre

Vegetative characteristics

Reproductive characteristics

Plant form: tree up to 20 m

Arrangement of parts: symmetric
 

Flower size: 7-10 mm diam.

Leaf form: undivided, linear, strap-shaped

  

Leaf size: 0.5-1 m long x 4-6 cm wide

Tepals (sepals indistinguishable from petals): 6

Leaf arrangement: singly along stem

Sexuality: bisexual

Leaf attachment: clasping

Stamens: 3

Leaf margin: smooth

Ovary: above petals

Leaf surface: hairless

Fruit: fleshy


Share Print Email