Astelia grandis
| Astelia grandis | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Cross Pollinated | |
| Height: | 7' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Astelia grandis
Propagation: Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse. Germination can be very slow, sometimes taking more than 12 months.
When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade for at least the first winter in a greenhouse. Plant out in late spring or early summer once they are 15cm or more tall.
Division in spring[1].
Cultivation: Requires a damp humus-rich fertile soil in sun or semi-shade, sheltered from cold drying winds[1]. Prefers a moist soil and a cool position[2].
This species is not very cold-hardy. It tolerates temperatures down to about -3°cc, and possibly even lower for short periods[2]. It might succeed outdoors in the milder parts of the country.
Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Range: New Zealand
Habitat: Swampy, ± peaty soils from lowland to montane areas in North and South Islands, south to latitude 45°s[3]
Edibility: Fruit - raw. Sweet, fleshy and juicy, it is pleasant to eat[4]. The orange-coloured fruit is about 10mm in diameter[2].
Usage: A soft brown fibre is obtained from the leaves. It has a variety of uses[5][6].
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Dioecious
Also Known As: A. nervosa grandis.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2. Pan Books, London, 1998.
- ↑ Allan, Harry. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer Publications, 1961.
- ↑ Laing, Robert. Plants of New Zealand. Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd, 1907.
- ↑ Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.