cordyline australis-cabbage trees in SthCanterbury

After we had enjoyed a wonderful lunch at a boutique vineyard, with many laughs!!!! we headed towards home. We headed over the Waitohi area which is just west of Temuka. The cabbage trees here are amazing- they are beautiful specimens , and the farmers are protecting them.

Known to Māori as tī kōuka, the tree was used as a source of food, particularly in the South Island, where it was cultivated in areas where other crops would not grow. It provided durable fibre for textiles, anchor ropes, fishing lines, baskets, waterproof rain capes and cloaks, and sandals.

I loathe them in a garden(they wrap around mower blades badly, but I really love them in the landscape.

Many, many thanks to Rainie, OldTimer and Katey for joining us yesterday, and to Rainie for her wonderful hospitality (and Doug's coffee)...