Harakeke

We all recognise the tall sword like leaves of Harakeke, also know as flax.

Harakeke grows up to three meters high and its flower stalks can grow up to four meters. It has seed pods that stand upright from the stems.

Tūī, korimako, saddlebacks, tīeke, short tailed bats, pekapa, geckos and several types of insects enjoy nectar from the flax flower.

The abundant nectar was used to sweeten food and beverages.

Harakeke is used for clothing, mats, baskets, ropes, fishing lines and even nets! Harakeke was especially good for māori as they use it for clothing and blankets.

We need to grow more flax because it is an amazing plant and it gives shelter to a lot of animals. Flax makes an amazing garden plant. It will attract native birds such as korimako and tūī. It provides wonderful shelter. Native plants are a great way to enhance your own garden as well as your city or town’s environment.

By Ava, Cyrus, Payton and Brooklyn and Fern