Ethnobotany
Introduction
Inner pith of mamaku used for food
An important focus in our research on native plants is their cultural use by Māori, especially for weaving. We maintain a living collection of weaving cultivars of harakeke (Phormium, New Zealand flax), which is a resource for research into fibre properties, traditional dyes, gel and seed oils. The database Ngā Tipu Whakaoranga provides fully referenced, detailed information on how Māori used plants to survive in New Zealand, before the arrival of Europeans.
Research areas
- Harakeke collection and establishing a pā harakeke
Primary contact: Sue Scheele
Manaaki Whenua is kaitiaki of a collection of traditional weaving varieties of harakeke (NZ flax, Phormium spp.) donated by Rene Orchiston of Gisborne. The 50 harakeke were selected long ago from natural stands and cultivated by Māori weavers for their special leaf and fibre properties. There are varieties specially suited to making kete, whariki, piupiu and cloaks. - Weaving Plants - biology, distribution, and propagation
Primary contact: Sue Scheele
Information on the biology, ecology, distribution, threats to and propagation of weaving plants is aimed particularly at those learning raranga (plaiting) and whatu (weaving). We hope that a deeper understanding of the plants' biology and information on how to grow them will assist weavers and communities in their efforts to conserve these important resources.
Tools & Services
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Ngā Tipu Whakaoranga – Māori plant use database
a web resource of information on the traditional uses of New Zealand native plants by Māori.
Primary contact
 | Sue Scheele Email  |
Landcare Research | |
Phone: 03 321 9999 |