Phormium cookianum
| Phormium cookianum | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 4' |
| Width: | 1' |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Late Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Phormium cookianum (common name: wharariki)
Propagation: The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Sow stored seed in February in a cold frame. Germination is sometimes poor but should take place in 1 - 6 months at 15°c. The seedlings are very variable. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed remains viable for about 12 months in normal storage[1].
Division in spring as growth commences. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Cultivation: Prefers a rich loamy soil[1] but is not too fussy, succeeding in peaty soils and in boggy moorland[2]. Tolerates light shade[1] but prefers full sun[3]. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn[4]. Very tolerant of maritime exposure, this species is recommended for coastal plantings[5][6].
Hardy to about -10°c[6].
Polymorphic, there are many named varieties[3]. This species often hybridizes with P. tenax and there are many cultivars of uncertain origin.
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[4].
Range: New Zealand. Naturalized in Britain on the Scilly Isles.
Habitat: Coastal cliffs to mountain slopes, locally dominant on shady faces in high country, North, South and Stewart Islands[7].
Edibility: The roasted seed is used as a coffee substitute[8].
An edible nectar is obtained from the flowers[8].
An edible gum is obtained from the base of the leaves[8].
Usage: A high quality pliable fibre is obtained from the leaves[9].
A gum found at the base of the leaves is used as a paper glue[8].
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Wind: Tolerates maritime wind exposure
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: The root is highly purgative[8].
Also Known As: P. cookianum. Le Jolis. P. hookeri.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ Taylor, Jane. The Milder Garden. Dent, 1990.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Perennials - The Definitve Reference. Pan Books, 1991.
- ↑ Allan, Harry. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer Publications, 1961.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Crowe, Andrew. Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Hodder and Stoughton, 1990.
- ↑ Brooker, Stanley. Economic Native Plants of New Zealand. Oxford University Press, 1991.