Ethnobotanical study of growth ofPhormiumvarieties used for traditional Maori weaving

Abstract

Twelve Maori weaving varieties of Phormium were grown at 11 widely separated sites in New Zealand in an experiment involving participation of weavers, teachers, and students. Leaf dieback and leaf appearance during establishment and growth of leaf length and blade width, shoot production, and expansion of plant basal circumference over 4-7 years were recorded. Observations were made on factors, particularly cold, that caused plant damage. Data were analysed to test for site × variety interaction. The sites provided environments ranging from those at Ohakune and Kaiapoi which were lethal for some varieties to that at Auckland which was near optimal for growth. Generally, growth reduction during the cool period of each year was *proportionally greater at sites that overall had the best conditions for growth. Variety growth responses and their susceptibility to cold damage differed and interacted significantly with site conditions. The results are related to varieties in the National New Zealand Flax Collection in respect to their origins and history of use. Recommendations are made for cultivation practices that enhance the production of leaves used for traditional Maori weaving.

Biological flora of New Zealand 10.Phormium tenax, harakeke, New Zealand flax

“…Ramet formation for plants raised from seed is slow, with estimations of up to 15 ramets after 3 years (Poole 1940). Harris et al (2005) found that ramet number varied significantly with cultivar type: Maeneene, for example, produced ramets at a faster rate, with around 134 ramets likely after 3 years. Ramets mature in 3-6 years to produce inflorescences and then senesce after flowering (Poole 1940).…”

“…Certainly, wild P. tenax shows an array of morphological forms which appear to be related to habitat features such as soil fertility. To investigate the contributions of genetic and phenotypic variability, 12 Maori cultivars were chosen for a replicated growth experiment using clones at 11 different sites from kaitaia to otago (Harris et al 2005). The sites were chosen to cover a wide range of conditions relating to climate, latitude, soil fertility, and water availability, and clones of each cultivar were planted at each site.…”

“…eight to ten leaves are usually produced per ramet (Poole 1940). leaf growth is reduced at cooler sites, especially where drought, low soil fertility, and weed competition occur, and expansion of basal circumference also varied with cool seasons (Harris et al 2005). The high relative growth rate, tall stature, consolidated growth form, vigorous lateral spread, and rhizatomous habit of P. tenax indicate it is a competitor according to Grimes' dimensions of plant life history (Crawley 1997).…”

“…Features which may restrict distribution include drainage and water table (Duncan et al 1990;Harris et al 2005) and rainfall (Critchfield 1951). although P. tenax responds well to flowing water and is not disturbed by periodic flooding, both waterlogging and drought have negative effects (Harris et al 2005).…”

“…Recognition of its importance to Maori as a fibre plant has led to further investigations of its cultivation, processing, fibre properties, and genetic variation within the species. an emerging feature is the collaborative research between scientists and Maori weavers into areas of common interest (e.g., Harris & Woodcock-Sharp 2000;McBreen et al 2003;More et al 2003;Harris et al 2005Harris et al , 2007. Moreover, despite the collapse of the Phormium flax milling industry in the early 20th century, there is renewed interest in the potential of P. tenax for future commercial development.…”