Ngā Rauropi Whakaoranga

Tāpoto

Harakeke cultivar. A real `Tihore" flax and one of the favourites of Hawke"s Bay Māori. Once prevalent where Havelock North now stands. Strong, straight, short narrow blades tapering to a sharp point. Pale yellow green leaves with bright orange keel and margin. Very fine, tall flower stalks. Similar to Tākirikau, but a smaller version.

Muka or whītau type of flax. Strips easily and cleanly into long shiny white fibre, brittle but very strong. Very good piupiu flax. Dries very hard to a pale cream colour. Used for kaitaka mats and kete.