Tī kōuka

Ti kōuka, or cabbage tree, is a striking native tree with long leaves and a tall, branching trunk.

Appearance:

• Long, narrow leaves forming clusters at the ends of branches
• Tall trunk that often branches high above the ground
• Creamy white flowers in summer, followed by bluish‑white berries

Growth:

• Leaves 40–100 cm long and 3–7 cm wide
• Can grow 10–20 m tall
• Prefers moist soils but tolerates a wide range of conditions

Uses: 

Ti kōuka has a vital ecological role and is useful for providing food for birds and stabilising soil.

For regeneration and restoration projects, Ti kōuka is a versatile native tree that can be planted in environments ranging from wetlands all the way up to and including dry hillslopes.  It is effective in mitigating streambank erosion.

Cultural & Historical Notes:

Māori used Ti kōuka for food, fibre, and rongoā (medicine), making it one of the most useful native trees.