Family: Asparagaceae
Author: (G.Forst.) Endl.
Bibliography: Prodr. Fl. Norfolk.: 29 (1833)
Year: 1833
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cordyline
Vegetable: False
Observations: New Zealand
Description
The Cabbage tree, scientifically known as Cordyline australis, is a notable and distinctive plant native to New Zealand. This striking species belongs to the Asparagaceae family and is characterized by its tall, slender trunk crowned with a bouquet of long, narrow leaves, giving it a unique and elegant appearance. It was first documented in the early 19th century, with its formal description appearing in the Prodr. Fl. Norfolk.: 29 (1833) under the authorship of (G.Forst.) Endl.
In its natural habitat, the Cabbage tree is a versatile plant, commonly found in a variety of settings, ranging from lowland forests to coastal regions and wetlands. It is highly adaptable to different environmental conditions, making it a resilient addition to various landscapes. The tree can grow to impressive heights, often exceeding 20 meters, with a trunk diameter that can reach up to a meter in mature specimens.
The leaves of the Cabbage tree are one of its most distinguishing features. They are long and sword-shaped, measuring between 30 to 90 centimeters in length, and can vary in color from green to a reddish or purplish hue. In the spring, the tree produces large, fragrant clusters of small, creamy-white flowers, which subsequently develop into bluish-white berries. These fruits are a source of food for native birds and other wildlife, enhancing the tree’s ecological value.
Culturally and historically, the Cabbage tree holds significance in New Zealand, particularly among the Māori people. It is often referred to as “ti kouka” in Māori and is valued for its traditional uses. The strong, fibrous leaves were historically used in weaving and making ropes, while the roots were sometimes utilized for their carbohydrate content.
In contemporary horticulture, Cordyline australis is a popular ornamental plant, prized for its striking form and visual appeal. It is frequently planted in gardens, parks, and streetscapes, not just in New Zealand but also in temperate regions worldwide. Its low maintenance requirements and ability to withstand harsh conditions make it an ideal choice for both urban and rural settings.
In summary, the Cabbage tree, or Cordyline australis, is a remarkable plant that is deeply intertwined with the natural and cultural heritage of New Zealand. Its distinctive appearance, ecological contributions, and historical significance make it a species worth appreciating and preserving.
Common Names
Eng: cabbage tree, cabbage-palm, new zealand cabbagetree, cabbagetree, fountain-dracaena, giant-dracaena, grass-palm, palm-lily
Fra: cordyline
Swe: syddracena
Cym: palmwydden fresych
En: Cabbage tree, Cabbage-palm, New Zealand cabbagetree, Cabbagetree, Fountain-dracaena, Giant-dracaena, Grass-palm, Palm-lily
Fr: Cordyline, Chou palmiste
De: Keulenlilie
Sv: Syddracena
Cy: Palmwydden Fresych
Synonyms
- Dracaena terminalis var. stricta (Rothsch.)
- Cordyline forsteri (F.Muell.)
- Dracaena indivisa var. atropurpurea (B.S.Williams)
- Cordyline calocoma f. lineata ((B.S.Williams) Voss)
- Cordyline kirkii (F.Haage & E.Schmidt)
- Cordyline calocoma f. lentiginosa ((Linden & André) Voss)
- Dracaena parrei (Lorgus)
- Dracaena lentiginosa (Rob.)
- Terminalis australis ((G.Forst.) Kuntze)
- Cordyline indivisa (Regel)
- Cordyline calocoma ((H.Wendl.) Baker)
- Dracaena chemnitzii (Neubert)
- Cordyline veitchii (Regel)
- Cordyline lineata var. purpurascens (Rodigas)
- Cordyline calocoma f. nutans ((H.Jaeger) Voss)
- Cordyline australis var. veitchii ((B.S.Williams) Wiegand)
- Cordyline australis var. lineata ((B.S.Williams) Wiegand)
- Cordyline australis var. atropurpurea ((B.S.Williams) Wiegand)
- Cordyline sturmii (Colenso)
- Cordyline superbiens (K.Koch)
- Dracaena lineata ((K.Koch) Neubert)
- Charlwoodia australis ((G.Forst.) G.Don)
- Dracaena nutans (H.Jaeger)
- Cordyline nutans ((H.Jaeger) K.Koch)
- Cordyline australis var. aurea-striata (Wiegand)
- Dracaena doucetii ((É.Morren) Pynaert)
- Dracaena indivisa var. veitchii (B.S.Williams)
- Dracaena australis lineata (W.Bull)
- Cordyline lineata (K.Koch)
- Dracaena indivisa (B.S.Williams)
- Cordyline lineata var. doucetii (É.Morren)
- Cordyline calocoma f. veitchii ((B.S.Williams) Voss)
- Cordyline lentiginosa ((Rob.) Linden & André)
- Dracaenopsis australis ((G.Forst.) Planch.)
- Dracaena indivisa var. lineata (B.S.Williams)
- Dracaenopsis calocoma (H.Wendl.)
Distribution
- New Zealand North (native)
- New Zealand South (native)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Tasmania (introduced)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Feb 2, 2020 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 4, 2019 by Boy Portuguese (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 13, 2019 by Manoel Arnaldo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 15, 2021 by Uwe Rosenke (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 6, 2022 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Oct 13, 2021 by Ball Darren (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 6, 2022 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 25, 2022 by Louise Lewis (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 5, 2018 by Paolillo (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2020 by Cihan Atasoy (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Feb 20, 2019 by Gill Oscar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 9, 2022 by Marietta (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2020 by Oliveira Catarina (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 3, 2020 by chines66 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 13, 2021 by Elle Faurie (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 29, 2019 by Alegria diego (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 25, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 1, 2022 by Hugo SARRAUT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 28, 2022 by Fozame (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 30, 2019 by laurence cavalier (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 12, 2021 by Gabzo34 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2021 by Per Huse (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 29, 2021 by Pavoni (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 20, 2022 by Stefan Spoon (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 30, 2019 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Nov 16, 2021 by francois tissot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 8, 2002 by Alejandro Carrasco (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2022 by Manuel Hernández (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 26, 2022 by hooman ahmadi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2021 by Jörg D (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2766411)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:533544-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cordyline australis (G.Forst.) Endl.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Tree