Hūhiroa
Cultivar No | 19 | |
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Source | Botanic Gardens, Wellington. Sent from Taranaki in 1870. Identified by Mrs Orchiston in 1972. Also sent to Britain earlier this century. Grew well in Ireland. | |
Description | Very tall, up to 3 metres. Tapering blades, pale bluish-green in colour. No kōrari. Dark brown edge with dark reddish-brown keel. |
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Uses | In Rene's experience, this harakeke does not produce very good fibre. The early records however suggest that H?hiroa was well regarded in Taranaki and Wanganui. Its long fibre was of excellent quality and easily stripped. Used for fine mats, garments, fishing lines and ropes. |
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Muka extraction | Medium amount of muka extracts well and para removes easily. | |
Raranga - unboiled | Good raranga flax. Leathery quality, easy to keep tension. Long leaves, ideal for whāriki. |
Information sources:
Rene Orchiston | Katarina Tawiri | Rob Smissen | Sue Scheele |