Tī kōuka

The tī kōuka (Cordyline australis) is a resilient tree found throughout Aotearoa in forest margins, wetlands and open spaces such as farmlands. 

The tough fibrous quality of the leaves makes tī kōuka useful for creating anchor ropes, snares and nets, for weaving and as a fire starter. The tree is an important food source and rongoā, and the distinctive shape of the tree means they can be used as place markers. Some iwi use the trees’ flowering to make predictions about the weather.

Related resources

Ngāi Tahu Mahinga Kai video

• Tī Kōuka – featuring Karl Russell, a local mahinga kai aficionado, as he takes a journey of discovery to explore the taste, texture and appeal of this once staple of the local diet

• Download a PDF of the video transcript here

Articles

• Tī kōuka – traditional uses – Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research

• Cabbage tree/tī kōuka – Department of Conservation

• Awhi mai awhi atu – kuku restoration – use of tī kōuka – Science Learning Hub

• Māori ways of knowing – weather and climate – use of tī kōuka to predict climate patterns – Science Learning Hub