| The
cabbage tree, known as Ti Kouka by Maori, is one of
the most distinctive native plants of New Zealand. Actually
the tallest lily in the world, it grows up to 20 metres
tall, with long sword-like leaves that cluster in bunches
at the end of a long trunk. Its large clusters of white,
sweet smelling summer flowers attract a variety of inserts
and birds. Ti Kouka got its name ‘cabbage tree’
from the early European settlers who boiled its edible
shoots like cabbage and brewed beer from the roots.
Maori also used the leaves for weaving and roots for
medicinal purposes.
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