Asteliaceae FAMILY

Astelia grandis

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

0/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Botanical Description

Astelia grandis is an evergreen, perennial plant forming a dense cluster of stiff, arched, spear-shaped leaves up to 2 metres tall. The plant was traditionally harvested from the wild as a source of food and fibre. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeNew Zealand - North and South Islands

HabitatSwampy, ± peaty soils from lowland to montane areas in North and South Islands, south to latitude 45°s[ 44 Title Flora of New Zealand. Publication Author Allan. H. H. Website http://floraseries.landcareresearch.co.nz/pages/Book.aspx?fileName=Flora%201.xml Publisher Government Printer, Wellington. Year 1961 ISBN - Description The standard work, in 5 volumes though only the first two are of interest to the plant project. Very good on habitats. There is also an on-line version. ]