Botanical name:

Cordyline australis

Common name(s):

Cabbage Palm, Cabbage Tree, Ti kouka, Torbay Palm

About:

This common palm-like tree features a tall, erect trunk that gracefully branches out into numerous tufts of tough, long, and narrow pointed leaves. These leaves create an impressive silhouette against the sky, while the tree's bushy sprays of small, delicate white flowers add a touch of beauty during blooming season. The bark of this tree is notably rough, contributing to its sturdy appearance. The leaves typically measure between 30 to 100cm long and are only slightly tapered at the base. Additionally, it is common to see dead leaves that often form a skirt around the branches, adding to the tree's distinctive character. The fruit produced by this tree is small and white, further enhancing its unique qualities.

Natural habitat:

Widespread and common from coastal to montane forest. Most commonly found on alluvial terraces within riparian forest from sea level to 600m.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Drought, Shade, Salt, Wetland, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Common in the North, South and Stewart Islands. Probably naturalised on the Chatham Islands.

Height: 20m

Flowering: (September-) October-December (-January) with White flowers

Fruiting: (December-) January-March

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings, Forests, Shelter belts & Pioneer Plantings

How to grow:

Cabbage trees are one of the most widely cultivated New Zealand natives, also being very popular in Europe, Britain and the U.S.A. They are easily grown from fresh seed (seedlings often spontaneously appear in gardens from bird-dispersed seed), emergent shoot, stem and even trunk cuttings. They are very hardy and will tolerate most soils and moisture regimes but dislikes long periods of drought. Excellent in pots and tubs.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though