Kauri Grass

Botanical name: Astelia trinervia
Common name(s): Kauri Grass, Kōkaha

About:
A robust forest astelia endemic to New Zealand, forming large clumps of long arching foliage beneath northern forests. This species is notable for its broad leathery leaves with three distinct longitudinal nerves and bright red-orange berries.

Natural habitat:
Occurs naturally within kauri forest, podocarp forest, damp gullies, forest margins, swamp forest, and humid lowland woodland.

Growing environment:
Partial shade to full shade, Humid conditions, Acidic free-draining soils & Frost tolerant once established.
Thrives in moist organic-rich soils with high humidity and shelter from prolonged dry conditions.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand.
Common in the North Island from Te Paki south to Awakino and Tauranga. In the South Island restricted to North West Nelson.

Height:
Approximately 0.4–2 m tall

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

Flowering:
Spring to summer
Produces small reddish-pink flowers on branched inflorescences.

Fruiting:
Autumn to winter
Female plants develop glossy red to orange berries attractive to birds.

Uses:

• Forest understory planting
• Mass native plantings
• Architectural foliage planting
• Shaded pathways and borders
• Humid subtropical gardens
• Ecological restoration projects

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A robust tufted perennial forming dense arching colonies beneath forest canopies.

Leaves:
Leaves are long, leathery, bright to olive green with three prominent longitudinal veins and arching strap-like form.

Flowers:
Flowers are small and reddish-pink, borne on airy branched flower spikes.

Fruit:
Produces bright orange-red fleshy berries on female plants.

Ecology:
An important understory species within northern forests where it provides shelter, stabilises soil, and supplies seasonal food for native birds.

Associated habitats:
Frequently associated with kauri forest, podocarp forest, crown fern (Austroblechnum discolor), rimu, beech forest margins, and humid gullies.

How to grow:
Best planted in shaded or semi-shaded sites with moist free-draining acidic soil rich in organic matter. Benefits from mulch and protection from harsh afternoon sun.

Propagation:
Can be propagated from fresh seed or by division of mature clumps.

Garden value:
A bold and highly architectural native foliage plant valued for its lush forest appearance, colourful berries, and adaptability to shaded gardens. Particularly effective in subtropical native landscapes, woodland gardens, and large-scale restoration plantings.