One of few traditional cultivars of variegated harakeke. The whole bush has a yellow appearance, with the bright green leaves striped with a bright sulphur yellow. Short, straight, strong, pointed blades. Orange margin and keel ("like karakaî, Andersen 1907). Few kōrari, with light flower heads.

Kelly, in the Flax Commissioners Report 1870, described it as a beautiful plant and it was, and is, valued as ornamental. It is a parent of many modern coloured hybrids. Also produces high quality, shiny, but rather brittle fibre.