New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax)

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

Bloom Color: Red. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late spring. Form: Upright or erect.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The roasted seed is used as a coffee substitute. An edible nectar is obtained from the flowers. Very wholesome eating. A long hollow grass-stalk or straw is used to suck it out of the flowers. — The roasted seed is used as a coffee substitute.; An edible nectar is obtained from the flowers.; Very wholesome eating.; A long hollow grass-stalk or straw is used to suck it out of the flowers.

Habitat & North American Range

Lowland swamps and intermittently flooded land, North South Stewart, Chatham and Auckland Islands. (Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)