Ngā Rauropi Whakaoranga

Tākirikau

Harakeke cultivar. A favourite of the Ngāti Porou. A very handsome flax, growing at times up to 3 metres high. Straight, very strong, pale yellow-green leaves. Bright yellow/orange margin and keel. Small number of very high, heavy kōrari.

A Tākiri or Tīhore type of flax, i.e. can be stripped with the fingernail only. A muka or whītau flax which produces long strands of strong, shiny fibre. Could be good for strong whenu (warp) in weaving. Dries to a pale clear yellowy cream when boiled for one minute. Unboiled it has a more greenish tone. Very good piupiu flax, especially for ladies" piupiu as it is easy to prepare, has plenty of length, and dries very hard and strong.