Bush Flax

Botanical name: Astelia fragrans
Synonym: Astelia nervosa var. sylvestris
Common name(s): Bush Flax, Kakaha, Bush Lily

About:
A robust flax-like perennial endemic to New Zealand and the most widespread species of Astelia in the country. Valued for its strong architectural foliage, fragrant flowers, and bright orange berries, it commonly forms large tropical-looking colonies on the forest floor.

Natural habitat:
Occurs naturally within coastal to montane forest, forest margins, gullies, stream edges, and damp bush understories.

Growing environment:
Partial shade to full sun, Moist soils, Free-draining soils & Frost tolerant.
Thrives in fertile soils with reliable moisture but adapts well to a range of garden conditions once established.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand.
Widespread throughout the North and South Islands from sea level to approximately 900 m elevation.

Height:
Approximately 0.5–2 m tall

Width:
Forms dense spreading clumps approximately 1–2 m across

Flowering:
Spring to early summer
Produces fragrant green to yellow-green flowers from October to November.

Fruiting:
Summer to autumn
Female plants develop orange to orange-red berries attractive to birds.

Uses:

• Architectural landscaping
• Native forest planting
• Tropical-style gardens
• Mass understorey planting
• Bird gardens
• Erosion control
• Large container planting

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A large evergreen tufted perennial forming dense upright clumps or colonies.

Leaves:
Leaves are long, sword-like, and stiffly arching, green above with strongly raised veins beneath. Midribs are often flushed reddish.

Flowers:
Flowers are fragrant, greenish to yellow-green, and borne on large erect branched flower spikes.

Fruit:
Female plants produce fleshy orange berries often flecked with red.

Ecology:
An important native forest understorey species providing shelter and seasonal food for birds. The fleshy berries are dispersed by frugivorous birds throughout native forest systems.

Cultural uses:
Known traditionally as kakaha, this species has long associations with New Zealand forest landscapes and Māori plant knowledge.

How to grow:
Best planted in fertile, moist but free-draining soil in partial shade or filtered sun. Hardy and adaptable once established, tolerating both dry spells and moderate frost.

Propagation:
Can be propagated from fresh seed or by division of mature clumps. Cold stratification may improve seed germination rates.

Garden value:
One of New Zealand’s best foliage plants for creating lush subtropical structure in native gardens. Its bold upright form, fragrant flowers, and bright fruit make it an excellent feature or mass-planted landscape species.