Herb latin name: Astelia nervosa


Synonyms: Astelia montana, Astelia nervosa montana


Family: Asteliaceae



Edible parts of Astelia nervosa:

Fruit - raw. Sweet, fleshy and juicy, it is pleasant to eat.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Perennial

Height:
50 cm
(1 foot)

Habitat of the herb:

Forest and grassland in the montane to sub-alpine zone between latitudes 37 and 47° south.

Other uses of Astelia nervosa:

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 nervosa:

Forest and grassland in the montane to sub-alpine zone between latitudes 37 and 47° south.

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Astelia nervosa:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.