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Back to NZ Native Plants
More Native Plant Profiles
The New Zealand cabbage tree is a cultural icon, a distinctively New Zealand plant that is instantly recognisable. The nikau has similar status (there a few New Zealand towns without a 'Nikau Street' in the directory!).
For their strong structural presence in the garden these are plants that are prized the world over. They are invaluable for adding hieght to a planting scheme without the bulk of many trees, and for their 'tropical' ambience.
Cordyline australis
Cordylines are a wonderful NZ native that add a strong vertical element to your garden without taking up a lot of space. Spiky in its youth it will branch after producing fragrant flower spikes.
Our 'cabbage tree' ( or ti kouka) is a fascinating member of our native flora. It is found on coastlines from Northcape to Bluff and sometimes far inland where climates are harsh both in winter and summer.
Cultivation Plant in any good soil and water when young. Will tolerate poor and sandy soils if watered until established. Tolerates coastal salt spray and winds.
Propagation Seed
Cordyline australis flower spike
Rhopalostylis sapida
The Nikau, Rhopalostylis sapida, has a tall, slender trunk marked with rings. Slow, they are most telling when grouped together. The striking flower spike forms directly from the crown, below the leaves.
Cultivation Needs a soil rich in organic amtter to replicate its natural bush environment. Plant in a sheltered position in shade although stands sun when established. Grows to 9.0m (27ft)
Propagation Seed (germinates in 30 days plus)
West Coast, S. Is. Nikau palms
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Cordyline indivisa
The mountain cabage tree or Toi, is a stunning cluster of broad, glossy strap like leaves on a quite short and stout trunk. It grows to 2-3m (the familiar C. australis grows to 5-10m). The flower spikes appear in summer and a drooping. Coming from high rainfall areas, C. indivisa can be difficut to grow. It is well worth trying in suitable climates for the vertical emphasis it gives a planting scheme and a very lush, tropical appearance.
Cultivation Needs a moist, deep soil with overhead shade, to replicate its forest home.
Propagation Seed
Cordyline banksii
Forest Cabbage Tree, Ti ngahere
Cordyline banksii, a smaller cordyline to 3-4.0m (10-14ft) has somewhat lax, drooping leaves. The flowers spikes are not as dense, and not in the quantity of C. australis, and tinged with pink
Cultivation A moist, deep soil with overhead shade, to replicate its forest home. In humid areas will do better in drier conditions
Propagation Seed
Cordyline banksii with pink-tinged flowers
Cordyline kaspar
C. kaspar is found naturally only on the Three Kings Islands. At 2.0m (6ft), it is shorter and thicker than C. australis. The mid-green leaves are broad and and wide, giving the plant a tropical appearance. The flowers spikes are very fragrant.
Cultivation A moist, deep soil and protection from heavy frosts.
Propagation Seed | | |
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