Astelia chathamica
Kakaha





Ornamental, clump-forming plant with broad, spiky, silver-green leaves which droop at their tips. Easily grown in full sun or semi-shade. Will tolerate both moist and dry sites. Dramatic in group plantings. Coastal hardy. Excellent in containers.
Stem | Foliage | Flowers | Fruit | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer |
|
|
|
|
Autumn |
|
|
|
|
Winter |
|
|
|
|
Spring |
|
|
|
|
10 Year Size
Family: Asteliaceae, a family of flowering plants. Learn more about Asteliaceae.
Genus: Astelia, astelia, derived from the Greek prefix ἀ (makes the sense of a word opposite to the word to which it is attached) and noun στήλη (stḗlē, 'upright rock, pillar, column'), meaning 'without a pillar/column', in reference to the apparent stemless condition of some species in this genus. A genus of flowering plants native to New Zealand, Australia, South America, and various islands in the Pacific, Indian, and South Atlantic oceans. Learn more about Astelia.
Species: Astelia chathamica, chathamica (Latinised), meaning 'of or relating to the Chatham Islands', in reference to this species' native geographical location. Learn more about Astelia chathamica.
Synonyms: Astelia nervosa var. chathamica
Common Name: Kakaha
Other Common Name(s): Silver Spear