Solandri Astelia (Astelia solandri)

Family: Asteliaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Astelia solandri is an evergreen Perennial growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). It is in leaf all year. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Sweet, fleshy and juicy, it is pleasant to eat. — Sweet, fleshy and juicy, it is pleasant to eat.; The base of the flowering stem can be eaten.; An oil in the seed contains 25% gamma-linoleic acid, this compares with only 9% in evening primrose oil.

Habitat & North American Range

Wet lowland forests, where it is epiphytic on tall trees. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)