Ngā Rauropi Whakaoranga

Phormium described. Introduction to Britain by Banks in 1789 described. Introduced to Royal Gardens at Kew and distributed from there. Sent by Mr Aiton to Museum of Natural History of Paris in 1800 and distributed through France. Fibre experiments by M. Labillardiere mentioned: Phormium the strongest vegetable fibre (behind silk). Section by Allan Cunningham who describes the Māori method of preparing flax, the use of flax ropes by seafarers, flax trade and prospects.