Basic Information
Common Name: Astelia solandri
Scientific Name: Astelia solandri
Native Habitat: New Zealand (primarily North Island and upper South Island), often growing epiphytically on trees in damp forests, but also found terrestrially on banks and cliffs.
History / Discovery / Cultivator
The genus Astelia belongs to the plant family Asteliaceae, a small family of monocots native to the Southern Hemisphere, including Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and parts of South America. Astelia solandri, known to Māori as Kōwharawhara, has long been a significant plant within the Māori culture, utilized for various purposes, including food (the berries, though somewhat insipid, were sometimes eaten) and material for weaving (though less commonly used than harakeke/flax). Its presence in the dense, damp forests of New Zealand made it a recognizable and integral part of the landscape for indigenous peoples long before European scientific discovery.
The scientific name Astelia solandri honours Daniel Solander (1733-1782), a Swedish naturalist and student of Carl Linnaeus who accompanied Captain James Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific (1768-1771). Solander, along with Joseph Banks, collected numerous plant specimens in New Zealand during this voyage, contributing significantly to the early botanical documentation of the region. While Astelia solandri itself might not have been formally described by Solander personally, the genus and species names often reflect the contributions of early explorers and botanists to cataloging flora. The genus Astelia was formally established by botanist Jacques-Julien Houtou de La Billardière in 1800, based on specimens from Australia. Various species within the genus were subsequently described as botanical exploration of the Southern Hemisphere continued.
The species Astelia solandri was formally described by Allan Cunningham (1791-1839), an English botanist and explorer who made significant plant collections in Australia and New Zealand in the early 19th century. His work, particularly in mapping and documenting the flora of New Zealand, was crucial to the scientific understanding of the country’s unique plant life. Cunningham described Astelia solandri in 1837, solidifying its place in botanical nomenclature.
In terms of cultivation, Astelia solandri is primarily grown as an ornamental plant, valued for its striking architectural form and lush, often silvery-green foliage. While not as widely propagated globally as some other Astelia species like Astelia chathamica ‘Silver Spear’, Kōwharawhara is a popular choice in New Zealand horticulture for shady or damp garden spots, particularly where a native groundcover or epiphytic feature is desired. Its cultivation outside of its native range often requires mimicking its natural high-humidity, low-light, and well-drained (especially if grown epiphytically) conditions. Commercial cultivation is typically handled by nurseries specializing in native New Zealand plants or unique ornamental foliage species. While specific individuals or nurserymen who ‘popularized’ this species for general cultivation might be hard to pinpoint, its unique aesthetic appeal has ensured its continued presence in horticultural catalogues and garden designs focused on native plants or shade gardens.
Plant Care Summary
| Category | General Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Partial to deep shade | Avoid direct sun, which can scorch leaves. Thrives in filtered light or shady locations. |
| Water | Consistently moist | Keep soil/medium evenly moist but never waterlogged. Good drainage is essential. |
| Humidity | High | Prefers high atmospheric moisture. Brown leaf tips often indicate low humidity. |
| Temp. Range | Mild, frost-tender | Best in temperatures above 5°C (41°F). Protect from frost. |
| Soil Type | Well-draining, rich | For terrestrial growth, use a free-draining, organic-rich soil mix. For epiphytic growth, use an airy orchid mix or bark. |
| Fertilizer | Light feeding | Fertilize sparingly during the growing season (spring/summer) with a diluted liquid feed. |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic | Generally considered non-toxic to humans and common pets like cats and dogs. |
Botanical Insights
Adaptations
Astelia solandri exhibits several fascinating adaptations that allow it to thrive in its native New Zealand forest environment. One of its most notable adaptations is its versatility in growth habit; it can grow epiphytically on tree trunks and branches, or terrestrially on the forest floor, banks, and cliffs. This dual ability allows it to exploit different ecological niches. When growing epiphytically, its dense, fibrous root system anchors securely to bark, and the plant forms a clump that effectively catches falling leaf litter and organic debris, creating its own growing medium high above the ground. The long, strap-like leaves also contribute to this, channelling rainwater and debris towards the centre of the plant where the roots can access it. Its tolerance for low light conditions is crucial for survival beneath the dense canopy of the forest. The sometimes silvery or glaucous coating on the leaves may also help reflect excess light or reduce water loss in slightly brighter spots or during dry periods, though high humidity is generally preferred.
Propagation Methods
The most common and effective method for propagating Astelia solandri is by division. Mature clumps that have developed multiple crowns or rhizomes can be carefully divided during the growing season (typically spring or early summer). The plant is lifted (or carefully separated if still attached to a tree), and sections with roots attached are gently pulled or cut apart. Each division should have a healthy portion of roots and at least one growing point (crown). These divisions can then be replanted in suitable well-draining media or attached to appropriate epiphytic supports (like bark or wood). Propagation from seed is also possible but is a much slower process. Seeds are typically sown on the surface of a well-draining, sterile seed-raising mix and kept humid and warm. Germination can be erratic and slow, and seedlings take a considerable time to reach a size suitable for transplanting. Division offers a much faster way to obtain established plants.
Toxicology
Based on available information, Astelia solandri is generally considered non-toxic to both humans and common household pets, such as cats and dogs. Ingestion is unlikely to cause serious adverse effects. While some individuals might experience mild, transient digestive upset if a large quantity of plant material is consumed, this is rare. The plant does not contain known toxins that cause severe irritation, organ damage, or systemic poisoning. This makes it a relatively safe plant to have in homes or gardens where pets or young children might be present, although it is always prudent to discourage pets from chewing on houseplants as a general rule.
Common Problems
Pests:
- Scale insects (often found on stems and undersides of leaves)
- Mealybugs (small, cottony-looking insects in leaf axils or on surfaces)
Diseases:
- Root rot (caused by overwatering or poor drainage)
- Leaf spot (fungal or bacterial infections, exacerbated by high humidity and poor air circulation)
Other:
- Browning leaf tips (most commonly due to low humidity, underwatering, or sometimes fertilizer burn)
- Yellowing lower leaves (can indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or natural aging of older leaves)
- Lack of vigour/slow growth (often due to insufficient light, inadequate feeding, or improper soil/medium)
Rarity & Value
Rarity:
Within its native range in New Zealand, Astelia solandri is not generally considered rare; it is a common component of many damp forests and can be found growing abundantly in suitable conditions. However, outside of New Zealand, it might be considered less common in general horticulture compared to widely available houseplants. Its perceived rarity can vary greatly depending on geographical location and the specialization of local nurseries. While the species itself is widespread, finding large, mature, or particularly attractive specimens might be less frequent than common potted plants. Any specific variegated forms, should they exist naturally or through mutation, would be considerably rarer and more sought after by collectors.
Value:
The market value of Astelia solandri specimens is typically influenced by several factors. Size and maturity are primary drivers; larger, more established plants or those with significant clump size are more valuable than small seedlings or divisions. The quality and health of the foliage are also important – plants with lush, undamaged leaves and a good overall form command higher prices. For home gardeners or landscapers, its value lies in its aesthetic appeal as a unique foliage plant, particularly suited for shady or damp areas, and its status as a native New Zealand species. Compared to some highly hyped or rare tropical houseplants (like certain aroids or variegated monsteras), Astelia solandri is generally moderately priced, reflecting its availability through specialist nurseries rather than extreme collector demand, unless a truly exceptional form were to appear.
