Matawai Taniwha
Cultivar No | 37 | |
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Source | Matawai, near Waioeka Gorge, East Coast. | |
Description | Very tall, slightly bendy variety. Leaves a yellowy–bronze colour with darker shadings. Reddish–brown margin and keel. Very tall seed heads. Bright salmon red inside cut blade |
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Uses | Kete variety. Also good for whāriki as it produces long strips which dry to a corn yellow shade. Gives good contrast when used in patterns. Better not boiled. For whāriki just drag through boiling water. Roots used for medicinal purposes. |
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Muka extraction | Muka extracts well, para removes fairly well. Fibre brittle and fluffs up easily. Small to medium amount of fibre. | |
Raranga - unboiled | Lovely, supple flax for raranga. Easy to soften and waxy enough for good tension. |
Information sources:
Rene Orchiston | Katarina Tawiri | Rob Smissen | Sue Scheele |