Cabbage tree

The cabbage tree (Cordyline australis) is a common early successional species and an iconic plant in New Zealand.   It grows easily and many people have them in their gardens.  The downside from a gardener's viewpoint is that the highly fibrous leaves (like New Zealand flax) are difficult to dispose of because they take a long  time to break down.  The Council is not keen on them in its green waste recycling system, either.