Cabbage trees (Cordyline australis) are found in swampy areas and farmland throughout both major islands of New Zealand. Although they can reach 60 feet in height, most trees are considerably smaller owing to a recent blight. They resemble palm trees with a single upright trunk and tufts of sword-like leaves, but they are a separate genus entirely. In early summer, large, fragrant flower spikes emerge that later turn into small blue berries. Called "ti kouka" by the indigenous Maori people, cabbage tree was widely utilized by both the native and colonial inhabitants of the islands for food, fuel and medicine.
The ancient kauri (Agathis australis) is among the largest and longest living species of tree in the world. They reach heights of 160 feet with a 45-foot girth and have an average lifespan of 600 years. It is a coniferous species with dark-gray bark that has a silvery sheen, small ovate leaves and tightly scaled cones. Kauri forests once covered much of New Zealand, but exploitation for lumber has decimated much of the ancient forests.
Found in alpine fields on the South Island, the Mount Cook buttercup (Ranunculus lyallii) is the largest species of ranunculus in the world, standing 3 feet tall. It typically grows above 2,000 feet, although it is widely cultivated in gardens around the country. Known for its open, white-petaled flowers and round, glossy leaves, Mount Cook buttercup is an attractive herbaceous perennial that blooms from late spring until midsummer.
Kaka-beak (Clianthus puniceus) is a species of leguminous, woody shrub endemic to New Zealand. It is small species, growing between 2 and 3 feet tall with small, graceful leaves arranged along wiry stems. In spring, it produces large clusters of coral-red flowers that resemble the beak of a native parrot species, the kaka. Naturally occurring pigment mutations sometimes produce flowers that are creamy white or purplish. They respond well to cultivation, as well as at-home propagation.
Often called New Zealand flax, harakeke (Phormium) is a common perennial plant widely grown in gardens around the world. The thick, sword-like leaves have an erect habit and come in a diverse palette of colors, from striped or variegated types to solid green, burgundy or bronze. Generally grown for their foliage, harakeke also offers tall flower stalks with tubular red flowers in late spring. The flowers are attractive to pollinating birds and bees.
