Ngā Rauropi Whakaoranga

Paoa

Harakeke cultivar. Bush has a yellowy-green appearance, slightly droopy leaves, soft but strong. Margin and keel have fine bright orange lines. Yellow shading on tips of young blades which are gothic pointed. Medium height. Flowers freely, even on young bush - long kōrari with dense, strong seed pods.

A fine kete flax much sought after for decoration as the mature blades dry to distinct yellow tones - sometimes so yellow that it has been mistaken for pīngao. Ideal for decorative patterns in kete and whariki.

Tradition states that at the time of the arrival of the Māori leader Paoa in the canoe Horouta at Muriwai, this flax was used to moor the canoe. (Orchiston)