Tī kōuka
The tī kōuka (Cordyline australis) is a resilient tree found throughout Aotearoa in forest margins, wetlands and open spaces such as farmlands.
The tough fibrous quality of the leaves makes tī kōuka useful for creating anchor ropes, snares and nets, for weaving and as a fire starter. The tree is an important food source and rongoā, and the distinctive shape of the tree means they can be used as place markers. Some iwi use the trees’ flowering to make predictions about the weather.
Related resources
Ngāi Tahu Mahinga Kai video
Tī Kōuka – featuring Karl Russell, a local mahinga kai aficionado, as he takes a journey of discovery to explore the taste, texture and appeal of this once staple of the local diet
Download a PDF of the video transcript here
Articles
Tī kōuka – traditional uses – Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research
Cabbage tree/tī kōuka – Department of Conservation
Awhi mai awhi atu – kuku restoration – use of tī kōuka – Science Learning Hub
Māori ways of knowing – weather and climate – use of tī kōuka to predict climate patterns – Science Learning Hub
