Cordyline/Palm Lily

Cordyline petiolaris

Common name:

Cordyline/ Palm Lily

First nations name:

Ti Kouka (Maori- NZ)

Scientific name:

Cordyline petiolaris

Height:

Cordyline is a tall, narrow plant to about 5-7 metres tall.

Leaves:

The leaves are deep, glossy green up to half a metre long.

Flowers:

White to purple flowers on branching stems.

Fruit:

Fruit is a red berry, 7 to 10 mm in diameter.

First nations uses:

This plant is edible by cooking roots and young leaves. They can be used for traditional medicine and some dye. The leaves of these plants can make a raincoat.

Geographical location:

Found in warm rainforest and moist eucalyptus forest. The range of natural distribution is from the Nambucca River to near Gladstone, Queensland.

Conservation status:

Least concern

Photo & Research by:

Ellie

Interesting fact:

These plants are believed to bring good luck and are often used in traditional hula performances in some areas of the world.