Botanical name:

Astelia chathamica

Common name(s):

Silver Spear, Chatham Island astelia, Chatham Island kakaha, Moriori flax

About:

Kakaha features long, flax-like leaves that are beautifully clad in soft, silvery hairs. In terms of reproduction, male and female flowers are found on separate plants, highlighting their unique sexual dimorphism. The male flower stalk is notably thick and bears dark green, fragrant flowers that add an alluring scent to the environment, while the female plant showcases delicate, pale greenish-white flowers that are equally charming. This striking plant represents a stunning native New Zealand feature, making it an excellent choice for enhancing home gardens and landscaping designs.

Natural habitat:

Kakaha occupies a range of moist sites. It can be found on forest floors, cliffs, rock bluffs, lakeshore scarps and stream margins, as well as in swamps. It was formerly widespread, but now tends to be restricted to sheltered, rocky, or protected spots in the bush or scrub where it is safe from grazing.

Growing environment:

Sun, Sand, Shade, Wetland, Coastal & Free draining tolerant .

Endemic distribution:

Chatham Islands where it is known from Chatham Island and Pitt Island.

Height: 1.5m

Flowering:

October to December with a green or white coloured flowers.

Fruiting:

February – July with an orange or red fruit.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings, Forests & Containers.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.