flax, New Zealand

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


Phormium tenax, N.O. Liliaceae. A plant yielding a strong fibre.Called also, in New Zealand, Native Flax, and FlaxLily.

1807. J. Savage, `Some account of New Zealand,' p. 56:

«Small baskets made of the green native flax.»

1845. E. J. Wakefield, `Adventures in New Zealand,' vol. i,p. 63:

«The plant is called Phormium tenax by naturalists.The general native name for the plant, we are told, is `korari,'but each sort, and there are ten or twelve, has its distinctivename. Any portion of the leaf, when gathered, becomes here`kie kie,' or literally, `tying stuff.' The operation ofscraping is called `kayo,' the fibre when prepared, `muka.'» [Mr. Tregear says that Wakefield's statements are mistaken.]

1851. Mrs. Wilson, `New Zealand,' p. 23:

«His robe of glossy flax which loosely flows.»

1861. C. C. Bowen, `Poems,' p. 57:

«And flax and fern and tutu grew In wild luxuriance round.»

1870. T. H. Braiui, `New Homes,' c. viii. p. 375:

«The native flax ( Phormium tenax) is found in all partsof New Zealand; it grows to the height of about nine feet.»

1872. A. Domett, `Ranolf,' v.3, p. 93:

«In flowing vest of silky flax, undyed.»

1893. `Murray's Handbook to New Zealand,' p. 29:

«The so-called native flax ( phormium tenax).»

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