Ethnobotanical study of growth of Phormium varieties 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.