Herb latin name: Astelia grandis


Synonyms: Astelia nervosa grandis


Family: Asteliaceae



Edible parts of Astelia grandis:

Fruit - raw. Sweet, fleshy and juicy, it is pleasant to eat. The orange-coloured fruit is about 10mm in diameter.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
2 m
(6 1/2 foot)

Habitat of the herb:

Swampy, + peaty soils from lowland to montane areas in North and South Islands, south to latitude 45°s

Other uses of Astelia grandis:

A soft brown fibre is obtained from the leaves. It has a variety of uses.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse. Germination can be very slow, sometimes taking more than 12 months. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade for at least the first winter in a greenhouse. Plant out in late spring or early summer once they are 15cm or more tall. Division in spring.

Cultivation of Astelia grandis:

Swampy, + peaty soils from lowland to montane areas in North and South Islands, south to latitude 45°s

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Astelia grandis:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.