Kakaha

Basic Information

Common Name: Kakaha
Scientific Name: Astelia fragrans
Native Habitat: New Zealand (North and South Islands), primarily in forests, stream banks, swamps, and coastal cliffs from lowland to subalpine areas. It grows both terrestrially and epiphytically.

History / Discovery / Cultivator

The genus Astelia, to which Astelia fragrans belongs, is part of a fascinating group of plants within the family Asteliaceae, with a distribution across the Southern Hemisphere, including New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands, and South America. The genus was first described based on collections made during Captain Cook’s voyages by botanists Sir Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander, and later formally published by Robert Brown in 1810. This wide distribution suggests an ancient lineage and possibly Gondwanan origins before the continents drifted apart.

Astelia fragrans itself is a species native specifically to New Zealand. It was formally described and named by the eminent British botanist Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker in his monumental work, the Handbook of the New Zealand Flora, published in 1864. Hooker, who served as Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, relied heavily on collections and observations made by earlier explorers, settlers, and local botanists in New Zealand. His Handbook was the first comprehensive botanical survey of the country, laying the foundation for understanding its unique flora. The species name “fragrans” translates from Latin to “fragrant,” likely referring to the scent of its small, often inconspicuous flowers, although the fragrance can be quite subtle and not always immediately noticeable.

Long before European botanists formally described the plant, Astelia fragrans was well-known and valued by the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand. They knew it by several names, with “Kakaha” being one of the most common, along with “Maurea”. The tough, fibrous leaves were traditionally used for weaving various items, though often considered less suitable than the leaves of Phormium species (flax). The plant’s adaptability and evergreen nature meant it was a constant resource. The small fruits, while not particularly palatable in this specific species compared to some other Astelia species which produce larger, sweeter berries, were occasionally consumed or used for other purposes. The cultural significance of Kakaha in Māori traditions is linked to its presence in the native forests, its uses, and its inclusion in their extensive knowledge of the natural world.

In more recent times, Astelia fragrans has transitioned from being primarily a component of the native New Zealand ecosystem and a traditional resource to becoming an increasingly popular ornamental plant. Its architectural form, with sword-like leaves forming dense tussocks, provides structure and texture in garden designs. Its tolerance for shade and its ability to thrive in moist, even damp, conditions makes it particularly valuable for challenging garden spots where other plants might struggle. While not associated with a single specific modern ‘cultivator’ or populariser in the way some plants are, its appeal has grown steadily among gardeners and landscape designers, first within New Zealand and then internationally, who appreciate its low-maintenance requirements and distinctive appearance. Its history is therefore a blend of ancient ecological presence, traditional indigenous knowledge, formal scientific description, and modern horticultural appreciation.

Plant Care Summary

Botanical Insights

Adaptations

Astelia fragrans exhibits several adaptations that allow it to thrive in its native New Zealand habitats, which often include damp forests, stream banks, and even epiphyte perches. Its thick, leathery leaves are somewhat rigid, helping to reduce water loss and resist physical damage. The plant forms a dense, clumping tussock, which provides stability, especially when growing on slopes or as an epiphyte, and helps retain moisture around the base. Its rhizomatous root system allows it to spread slowly, colonizing suitable moist areas and anchoring it firmly. The ability to grow epiphytically (on other plants, usually trees) is a significant adaptation, allowing it to access light in dense forests and utilize moisture from rain and atmospheric humidity, absorbing nutrients from trapped leaf litter and debris. Its tolerance for wet soil conditions, while still requiring some oxygenation around the roots, is another key adaptation to its often damp environments.

Propagation Methods

The most common and easiest method for propagating Astelia fragrans is by division. Mature clumps naturally produce offsets or side growths. These can be carefully separated from the parent plant using a sharp spade or knife, ensuring each division has a good portion of roots attached. Divisions should be replanted immediately into moist, well-drained soil. This is best done in spring or early autumn. While Astelia fragrans does produce seeds after flowering and fruiting, propagation by seed is less common in cultivation as it can be slow, and seedlings may vary from the parent plant, especially if it’s a specific cultivar. Division is preferred for maintaining the characteristics of the parent plant and achieving quicker establishment.

Toxicology

Based on available information and horticultural knowledge, Astelia fragrans is generally considered non-toxic to humans and common household pets like cats and dogs. The plant does not contain known significant irritants or poisonous compounds that would cause severe reactions if ingested. While the small fruits are sometimes listed as edible in general terms for the genus Astelia, for A. fragrans they are typically small, bland, and not sought after for consumption. Ingestion of plant material is unlikely to cause more than mild, transient digestive upset in sensitive individuals or animals, if anything at all. It is not listed on common toxic plant databases as a plant of concern.

Common Problems

Pests:

• Slugs and Snails (especially on young growth)
• Occasional Scale Insects

Diseases:

• Root Rot (in poorly drained, overly saturated conditions lacking oxygen)
• Leaf Spot (less common, can occur in very humid conditions with poor air circulation)

Other:

• Leaf tip browning or crisping: Caused by insufficient water, particularly during dry periods, or excessive exposure to direct, hot sun.
• Yellowing leaves: Often indicative of overwatering, especially in heavy or compacted soil, leading to poor root function. Can also be a sign of nutrient deficiency in impoverished soil or containers.
• Poor, stunted growth: May be due to insufficient light (too deep shade), insufficient water, or poor soil quality.

Rarity & Value

Rarity:

Astelia fragrans is not considered rare in its native New Zealand, where it is a relatively common understory or epiphytic plant in suitable habitats. In general cultivation, the species itself is also becoming more widely available as its attributes are appreciated by gardeners. However, specific cultivars of Astelia (though perhaps less common for A. fragrans than for species like Astelia chathamica or Astelia nervosa) might be less common or considered more ‘rare’ if they have unique foliage characteristics like intense colouration or form, if they are slow to propagate, or if demand temporarily outstrips supply. The standard species, however, is readily available from many nurseries specializing in native plants or architectural foliage.

Value:

The market value of Astelia fragrans specimens is typically influenced by several factors. The size and maturity of the plant are primary determinants, with larger, well-established clumps fetching higher prices. The health and condition of the foliage (absence of brown tips, pests, or diseases) also play a significant role. For the standard species, value is generally moderate, reflecting its relative ease of propagation and common availability. If specific named cultivars of Astelia fragrans exist with desirable traits, their rarity and unique characteristics would increase their value. Current horticultural trends can also influence demand and price; as architectural and low-maintenance plants become more popular, the value of suitable species like Astelia fragrans can see a gradual increase. Provenance (e.g., being nursery-grown from wild-collected seed, or originating from a reputable breeder for a specific cultivar) can also sometimes factor into the price for collectors.