Description
Phormium cookianum, commonly known as mountain flax or wharariki, is a hardy, evergreen perennial plant native to New Zealand. It forms arching clumps of long, narrow, sword-like leaves that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height. In summer, it produces tall flower spikes with tubular, yellow to orange flowers that attract nectar-feeding birds, such as tūī. Phormium cookianum thrives in a variety of environments, including coastal and alpine regions, and is valued for its ornamental appeal, erosion control, and traditional Māori use in weaving and rope-making. It is drought-tolerant and commonly used in landscaping.
