Shore Astelia

Botanical name: Astelia banksii
Synonyms: None
Common name(s): Shore Astelia, Wharawhara, Coastal Astelia, Shore Kowharawhara

About:
A striking evergreen coastal plant forming dense clumps of arching silvery-green strap-like leaves. Female plants produce clusters of pale flowers followed by colourful purple-black to pink berries.

Natural habitat:
Coastal forest, cliff faces, dunes, rocky shorelines, and coastal scrub.

Growing environment:
Coastal tolerant, Wind tolerant, Salt tolerant, Shade tolerant, Frost tender, Moist soil tolerant, Free-draining soil tolerant.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to the North Island of New Zealand, occurring in coastal areas south to approximately Kawhia and Tauranga Harbours.

Height:
Up to 1.5 m tall

Width:
Up to 1.5 m wide

Flowering:
Spring–Summer

Fruiting:
Autumn

Uses:

• Coastal restoration plantings
• Native landscape design
• Tropical-style native gardens
• Mass planting and borders
• Erosion control on coastal banks
• Wildlife gardens

Appearance:

Growth habit:
Dense clump-forming evergreen perennial with broad arching foliage.

Leaves:
Long strap-like leaves silvery green to grey-green, leathery, arching, and slightly ribbed.

Flowers:
White to pale green flowers borne in branched panicles, usually on female plants.

Fruit:
Fleshy purple-black to pink berries dispersed by birds.

Ecology:
An important coastal species providing shelter and food for native wildlife. Fruits are spread by birds through frugivory.

Associated habitats:
Found naturally in coastal forest margins, cliffs, rocky slopes, and sheltered shoreline habitats.

How to grow:
Prefers moist but well-drained fertile soil in part shade to full sun. Particularly suited to coastal gardens and sheltered frost-free locations.

Propagation:
Usually propagated by division of clumps or from fresh seed.

Threats:
Not Threatened.

Cultural use:
Known traditionally as wharawhara or kowharawhara and recognised as a characteristic plant of northern coastal forest ecosystems.

Garden value:
Excellent for creating lush subtropical effects in native gardens. Its silvery foliage, architectural form and colourful berries make it highly valued in coastal and contemporary landscape planting.