Kakaha

Basic Information

Common Name: Kakaha
Scientific Name: Astelia fragrans
Native Habitat: Primarily New Zealand, found throughout the North, South, and Stewart Islands. It thrives in forests, often on the forest floor in damp, shaded conditions, or sometimes as an epiphyte on trees.

History / Discovery / Cultivator

Astelia fragrans, commonly known as Kakaha or Bush Flax, is a striking perennial plant belonging to the Asteliaceae family. The genus Astelia itself is a fascinating group of plants with a distribution largely centred in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching from New Zealand and Australia to some Pacific Islands, Réunion Island, and even parts of South America. This scattered distribution across vast oceans hints at ancient Gondwanan origins or perhaps dispersal mechanisms over long distances.Astelia fragrans is one of several Astelia species native to New Zealand, a region renowned for its unique and diverse flora shaped by millions of years of isolation. While the scientific description and classification of Astelia fragrans came about as part of the botanical exploration and documentation of New Zealand’s plant life by European botanists, its presence and significance stretch back much further.The Māori people, the indigenous inhabitants of New Zealand, have a long and deep connection with the plants of their land, including various Astelia species. Kakaha, or Astelia fragrans, was recognized and utilized by Māori for practical purposes. The strong, fibrous leaves of many Astelia species, including Kakaha, were traditionally used for weaving. Although perhaps not as widely used for high-quality fibre as Harakeke (Phormium tenax), Astelia leaves provided useful material for items like rough mats or temporary bindings. Beyond fibre, some Astelia species were also sources of food; the fruits of Astelia fragrans, though perhaps not the most prized, were sometimes consumed. Rhizomes of certain Astelia species were also traditionally prepared and eaten, providing a source of carbohydrates. The name “Kakaha” itself is a Māori name for this specific plant.The botanical description of Astelia fragrans solidified its place in the scientific record. It was formally described by English botanist Joseph Dalton Hooker in 1864, based on specimens collected during the mid-19th century when the flora of New Zealand was being systematically studied and documented. Hooker was a pivotal figure in taxonomy at the time and played a significant role in understanding the biogeography of Southern Hemisphere plants.Unlike some modern ornamental plants developed through breeding programs by specific horticulturists, Astelia fragrans is fundamentally a wild species. Its history in cultivation is more about bringing this resilient and architecturally appealing native plant into gardens and landscapes, particularly in areas with suitable climates. Its popularity in horticulture stems from its attractive, often shimmering leaves, its tolerance of shade, and its ability to form substantial clumps, adding texture and structure to planting schemes. It is not typically associated with a single ‘cultivator’ in the sense of a hybrid creator but rather valued as a species inherent to New Zealand’s natural heritage, now appreciated and grown by gardeners worldwide who seek its unique aesthetic and relative ease of care in appropriate conditions. Its journey into wider cultivation is more a testament to the enduring appeal of native flora and the recognition of its ornamental qualities by the horticultural community over time.

Plant Care Summary

Category	General Requirement	Notes
Light	Partial shade to shade	Avoid direct sunlight, especially in the hottest part of the day.
Water	Consistently moist	Do not let the soil dry out completely. Ensure good drainage.
Humidity	High humidity preferred	Benefits from humid conditions, especially indoors or in dry climates.
Temp. Range	Cool to Temperate	Prefers temperatures between 10°C and 25°C. Tolerates light frost.
Soil Type	Humus-rich, well-drained	Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, mimicking forest floor conditions.
Fertilizer	Lightly during growth	Feed sparingly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during spring/summer. Organic matter is beneficial.
Toxicity	Non-toxic or mild irritant	Generally considered non-toxic to pets and humans. May cause mild digestive upset if large quantities are ingested.

Botanical Insights

Adaptations

Astelia fragrans exhibits several adaptations that allow it to thrive in its native New Zealand forest environment, particularly in shaded, damp locations. Its fibrous, often upright to arching leaves are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional; they can help channel rainwater down towards the plant’s roots, effectively collecting moisture from canopy drip in dense forests. The leaves also have a somewhat tough, leathery texture which helps reduce water loss. Astelia fragrans can grow terrestrially on the forest floor, forming dense clumps via rhizomatous spread, or sometimes epiphytically on tree trunks, utilizing its strong roots to cling to bark and capture moisture and nutrients from decaying organic matter. This adaptability to different growing media (soil or arboreal substrate) is a key survival trait. The plant’s tolerance for low light levels is also a crucial adaptation for life on the often-dark forest floor beneath a dense canopy.

Propagation Methods

The most common and easiest method for propagating Astelia fragrans is by division. Mature clumps that have spread via rhizomes can be carefully dug up and divided into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a portion of roots and some healthy leaves. This is best done in spring or early autumn. The divisions can then be replanted directly into suitable soil. Propagation by seed is also possible but is a slower process. Seeds need to be collected from ripe berries (typically orange or red) and sown fresh in a well-draining, moist seed-raising mix. Germination can be slow and erratic.

Toxicology

Based on available information and traditional uses, Astelia fragrans is generally considered to be non-toxic or only mildly irritating if ingested. While the fruits of Astelia fragrans have been reported as edible (though not particularly palatable), other parts of the plant, like the leaves and rhizomes, are not known to contain significant levels of harmful toxins. Ingesting large quantities of any plant material can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) in sensitive individuals or pets simply due to the bulk and fibre, but Astelia fragrans is not listed as having severe toxic properties for humans, cats, or dogs. Symptoms from accidental ingestion would likely be limited to minor digestive discomfort.

Common Problems

Pests:

• Slugs and snails: Particularly on young or tender growth.
• Scale insects: Can sometimes infest leaves, though less common.

Diseases:

• Root rot: Caused by overly wet or poorly draining soil conditions.
• Fungal leaf spots: Can occur in stagnant, humid conditions with poor air circulation.

Other:

• Yellowing leaves: Often caused by too much direct sunlight, waterlogged soil, or nutrient deficiency.
• Browning leaf tips/margins: Usually indicates low humidity, inconsistent watering (allowing soil to dry out too much), or mineral buildup from water/fertilizer.
• Lack of vigour/sparse growth: Insufficient light (too deep shade), poor soil quality, or overcrowding.

Rarity & Value

Rarity:

In its native New Zealand, Astelia fragrans is a common and widespread species within its preferred habitat. Therefore, the standard form is not considered rare from a conservation perspective. However, specific cultivated varieties or selected forms that exhibit unusual characteristics, such as variegated foliage (though variegation is less common and stable in Astelia compared to some other plant groups), exceptionally vibrant colouration, or a particularly desirable growth habit, may be rarer in cultivation due to slower propagation rates for these specific forms or limited availability.

Value:

The market value of Astelia fragrans specimens is typically influenced by several factors. The most significant is size and maturity; larger, well-established clumps that provide an immediate impact in a landscape will command a higher price than small seedlings or recent divisions. Plant health and quality are also crucial; specimens with lush, undamaged foliage and a strong root system are more valuable. If any rare cultivars or selected forms exist with distinct characteristics (like specific leaf colour or texture), these can be more expensive than the standard species form. Current market trends and regional availability also play a role; the price might be higher in areas where the plant is less commonly grown or if there is high demand for architectural foliage plants suitable for shade. The provenance (origin from a reputable nursery) can also slightly influence perceived value.