Astelia chathamica
Astelia chathamica (Skottsb.) L.B.Moore
Astelia chathamica is a flowering plant species in the family Asteliaceae, native to the Chatham Islands of New Zealand. It is an evergreen perennial that reaches up to 1.2 m in height, characterized by a clump of sword-shaped leaves, small green flowers, and red berries. It thrives in partial shade with fertile, well-drained soil and moderate water. Hardy to −3 °C, though foliage may be damaged by frost, requiring winter protection in colder regions.
Description
Commonly known as the Chatham Islands kakaha, Moriori flax, or silver spear, Astelia chathamica is a plant species from the Chatham Islands. It forms a dense clump of silver-green, sword-shaped leaves and produces small green flowers followed by red berries. It prefers partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil with moderate moisture. While it can tolerate temperatures down to −3 °C, frost may damage its foliage, necessitating some winter protection in colder climates.
Distribution
Chatham Is.
Synonyms
Astelia nervosa var. chathanica
