Phormium tenax (harakeke)
Phormium tenax is an evergreen native New Zealand flax species.
Identifying
Leaves are upright and stiff, often over 2 m tall once mature (the bigger of the two).
Grows in large, strong clumps.
Leaf tips are often straight or slightly bent.
Flower stalks are taller than the leaves (up to 4–5 m). The stalks look huge.
Flowers are usually red/orange.
Flowering season: usually spring–early summer, empty seed pods on stems visible through winter.
