Cordyline australis

Cordyline australis, also known as the cabbage tree, is a widely branched monocot tree endemic to New Zealand. It is an iconic part of the New Zealand landscape, particularly in coastal regions.

Description

Cordyline australis grows up to 20 metres (66 feet) tall with a stout trunk and sword-like leaves, which are clustered at the tips of the branches and can be up to 1 metre (3 feet) long. With its tall, straight trunk and dense, rounded heads, it is a characteristic feature of the New Zealand landscape.

Distribution and habitat

Cordyline australis is found throughout New Zealand, from the north of the North Island to the south of the South Island. It grows in a broad range of habitats, including forests, scrublands, and coastal cliffs.

Cultivation and uses

Cordyline australis is widely cultivated for its foliage in gardens and parks. It is also used in horticulture, particularly in Europe and North America, where it is grown as an ornamental plant. In traditional Maori culture, the leaves were used for making baskets, mats, and fishing nets, and the roots were used for making a sweet drink or fermented into beer.

Ecology

Cordyline australis is an important part of the New Zealand ecosystem. It provides food and habitat for a variety of birds, insects, and lizards. The flowers are particularly attractive to bees, and the seeds are eaten by birds.

Conservation

While Cordyline australis is not currently considered threatened, it is vulnerable to a number of threats, including habitat loss, browsing by introduced mammals, and diseases such as Phytophthora.