Forest Cabbage Tree
Botanical name: Cordyline banksii
Synonyms: Cordyline diffusa
Common name(s): Forest Cabbage Tree, Tī ngahere
About:
Cordyline banksii is a graceful forest cabbage tree endemic to New Zealand, recognised by its multiple stems, drooping paddle-shaped leaves and prominent central leaf vein. It is smaller and more forest-adapted than Cordyline australis, usually forming a shrub or small tree with several stems arising from ground level. It is common in coastal, lowland and lower montane forests and is valued for its lush tropical appearance and tolerance of a wide range of garden conditions.
Natural habitat:
Occurs naturally in coastal, lowland and lower montane forests. It is also found in shrublands and occasionally extends into subalpine habitats in the South Island.
Growing environment:
Prefers partial shade to full sun in moist, free-draining soil. Tolerates a wide range of sites including forest margins, slopes, damp ground and sheltered garden conditions.
Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Common throughout the North Island and widespread through the northern half of the South Island, extending west to about Haast.
Height:
2–4 m
Width:
1.5–3 m
Flowering:
November–January
Fruiting:
February–April
Uses:
• Forest and understorey planting
• Native garden feature plant
• Revegetation and restoration planting
• Bird and insect habitat
• Slope and difficult-site planting
• Container or courtyard specimen
Appearance:
Growth habit:
A palm-like evergreen shrub or small tree with one to several stems, often arising from ground level. Plants are sparingly branched and form graceful clumps with long drooping leaves.
Trunk and branches:
Stems are usually multiple, upright and relatively slender, about 100–150 mm in diameter. They arise from the base and may branch sparingly with age.
Leaves:
Leaves are long, lance-shaped to paddle-shaped, 1–2 m long and 4–8 cm wide. They are broadest around the middle, drooping from that point, and taper into a long, narrow, channeled leaf stalk that widens again at the stem. A flat, prominent midrib runs the full length of each leaf.
Flowers:
Flowers are white, sweetly perfumed and borne in large branched panicles. The panicles are usually smaller and more compact than those of Cordyline australis, often 1–2 m long, with well-spaced sessile flowers.
Fruit:
The fruit is a small globose berry, 4–5 mm wide, white, bluish-white or blue when ripe. The berries contain small glossy black seeds and are eaten by birds.
Ecology:
The fleshy berries are dispersed by birds. The flowers attract insects, while the clumping growth habit and long leaves provide shelter for small animals and invertebrates. It may hybridise naturally with Cordyline pumilio where both species grow together.
Associated habitats:
Coastal forest, lowland forest, lower montane forest, kauri forest, forest margins, shrubland, regenerating forest and occasional subalpine scrub.
How to grow:
Plant in partial shade or full sun in moist, free-draining soil. It is adaptable and easy to grow, especially in sheltered sites. Water during establishment and protect young plants from severe drought.
Propagation:
Easily propagated from fresh seed. It can also be grown from stem, shoot and trunk cuttings.
Cultural use:
Tī ngahere is part of New Zealand’s native Cordyline flora and contributes to the structure and biodiversity of forest ecosystems. Like other tī species, it has associations with traditional Māori knowledge of native plants.
Garden value:
Forest cabbage tree is valued for its lush, graceful foliage and smaller stature compared with Cordyline australis. It is ideal for native gardens, shaded forest plantings, courtyard spaces and restoration projects where a bold, tropical-looking New Zealand native is desired.