Phormium. Harakeke.
There are two species of Phormium in New Zealand one species has two subspecies.
And many many cultivars
The cultivars really fall into two areas
The best collection was brought together by Rene Orchiston who for over 30 years searched for the forms of Harakeke that were used by Maori and brought this collection together
It is best described in the book 'Harakeke - the Rene Orchiston Collection' by Sue Scheele based on the information given by Rene and published by Manaaki Whenua Press.
It can be viewed online at http://www.mwpress.co.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/70521/Harakeke_3rdEd.pdf
there is a wealth of information avaiable and itis not intended to repeat it here.
- Phormium cookianum subsp. cookianum
- Phormium cookianum subsp. hookeri
- Phormium tenax
And many many cultivars
The cultivars really fall into two areas
- First those used by Maori for all types of weaving
The best collection was brought together by Rene Orchiston who for over 30 years searched for the forms of Harakeke that were used by Maori and brought this collection together
It is best described in the book 'Harakeke - the Rene Orchiston Collection' by Sue Scheele based on the information given by Rene and published by Manaaki Whenua Press.
It can be viewed online at http://www.mwpress.co.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/70521/Harakeke_3rdEd.pdf
- Second those used for ornamental purposes.
there is a wealth of information avaiable and itis not intended to repeat it here.