Cordyline australis aka Cabbage Palm

Cordyline australis, also known as the cabbage tree, tī kōuka, or cabbage-palm, is a widely branched monocot tree native to New Zealand. It can reach heights of up to 20 meters (66 feet) with a sturdy trunk and long sword-like leaves clustered at the branch tips, measuring up to 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) in length. This tree is a distinctive feature of the New Zealand landscape, with its tall, straight trunk and dense, rounded heads. It is commonly found across a wide latitudinal range, from the far north of the North Island to the south of the South Island. The cabbage tree grows in various habitats, including forest margins, river banks, and open areas, and is abundant near swamps. In addition to its natural significance, the cabbage tree holds cultural importance to the Māori people, who refer to it as tī kōuka. They utilized the tree for various purposes, such as a food source, textile fiber for clothing and accessories, and for making ropes and baskets. Due to its hardiness and fast growth, it is widely planted in New Zealand gardens, parks, and streets, with numerous cultivars available. Outside of New Zealand, the cabbage tree is grown as an ornamental tree in countries with maritime climates in the higher latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. It is known as the Torbay palm or Torquay palm in these regions. However, it does not thrive in hot tropical climates. In these areas, it is an erect, sparsely branched evergreen tree that can reach heights of 6 meters (20 feet). It produces dark burgundy sword-shaped leaves up to 60 centimeters (2 feet) long at the branch tips. During the summer, mature trees produce dense clusters of tiny creamy-white flowers up to 1 meter (3 feet) long. Overall, Cordyline australis, with its striking appearance and cultural significance, remains a notable tree both in its native New Zealand and in other parts of the world where it is grown for its ornamental value.