NZ Flax

Maori name:      harakeke
Botanical name: Phormium tenax

The New Zealand flax with its strong upright flower spikes and burgundy-red flowers, rich with nectar and so loved by NZ native birds.

It is the principal weaving plant used by Maori. The leaf strips were used for the making of containers and mats while the extracted fibre was used to make traditional cloaks and for cordage.

Today the harakeke is used in non-traditional ways to create original and exciting works of art.

A stroll through a local native park found us enjoying these lovely flowers. There were bees who would disappear completely into the flower collecting nectar - but no native birds as the park is right in the middle of town.

A warm 22C but feels more like 28C all of a sudden, a few clouds in the blue sky with a warm breeze. Something easy for tea tonight, fish and salad.

Have a great Thursday, Friday tomorrow and then the weekend :)