What is Phormium tenax?
Q: What is Phormium tenax?
A: Phormium tenax is an evergreen perennial plant from New Zealand and Norfolk Island.
Q: What is the importance of Phormium tenax?
A: Phormium tenax is an important fibre plant and a popular garden plant.
Q: How does the plant grow?
A: The plant grows as a clump of long, straplike leaves up to two meters long.
Q: What does the flowering shoot of Phormium tenax look like?
A: The plant grows a much taller flowering shoot, with dramatic yellow or red flowers.
Q: What was the use of the fibre from Phormium tenax?
A: The fibre from Phormium tenax was used by the Māori of New Zealand to make baskets. It was also used in rope and sail making after the arrival of Europeans up until at least WWII.
Q: Is Phormium tenax an invasive species in other countries?
A: Yes, in other countries Phormium tenax is an invasive species.
Q: What is the impact of Phormium tenax on Saint Helena?
A: On Saint Helena, Phormium tenax is taking over the land from the critically endangered species Elaphoglossum dimorphum.
