Ngā Rauropi Whakaoranga

atewheke,  recorded by Orchiston as atewhiki 

Harakeke cultivar. One of cultivars sent from Taranaki to Botanic Gardens, Wellington in 1870. See Flax Commissioners Report 1872, p20. Tall, bendy leaves. Interesting looking bush showing blades of several different shades. Some older ones quite yellow with black margins and keel. Young blades bronze with red veining on margins and keel. Greenish-blue on underside of blades. Bright salmon red inside base of blade when cut. Flowers well.

Good for whariki and kete as it dries to a maize yellow colour, producing effective decoration. Not a muka flax but has white fibre. Not easily stripped.