Over The Horizon

Far Away Flax

A special reserve of harakeke, or flax (Phormium tenax), may provide a new ecological and economic boost for Norfolk Islanders, thanks to a visit by leading Maori weavers and Landcare scientist Warwick Harris.

Harris was asked by the Aotearoa Moananui a Kiwa Weavers to provide some of the harakeke varieties held in the Lincoln collection, established in 1984 to help preserve traditional cultivars, for transplanting to Norfolk Island. Norfolk is the only place outside New Zealand where harakeke occurs naturally, and the weavers were keen to compare varieties.

Concern was expressed regarding the possibility of genetic contamination from incoming varieties. Such contamination is unlikely, given the environmental barriers; previous imports of ornamental flax cultivars have shown no effect on the local varieties. According to Harris, it appears likely that Norfolk Island flax is derived from a New Zealand coastal form which probably was carried to the island by ocean currents or bird-borne seed dispersal.

Harris says that it would not have been too difficult to prevent any new introductions from producing pollen that would affect the native population, but the authorities decided to decline the offer of the New Zealand plants.

The weavers demonstrated their skills to interested islanders, although it became obvious that the local flax was inferior to New Zealand varieties. Its fibre was short and broke easily, and it was difficult to strip out. Nine local plants were established in the new Norfolk Island People's Garden. It is hoped that the garden will provide a tourist attraction and a useful resource for local weavers.