
Cordyline pumilio, commonly known as the dwarf cabbage tree, pygmy cabbage tree or by its Māori names tī koraha or tī rauriki, is a narrow-leaved monocot shrub endemic to the North Island of New Zealand. It usually grows up to 1 metre (3.3 feet) tall, although rare examples of 2 metres tall have been reported. It has long leaves and can easily be mistaken for a grass or a sedge. C. pumilio grows in the north of the North Island from North Cape at 34°S to Kawhia and Ōpōtiki at about 38°S, generally under light forest and scrub. It was cultivated by Māori as a source of carbohydrate and used as a relish to sweeten less palatable foods.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Dwarf cabbage tree being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Dianella latissima
- Astelia trinervia
- Libertia ixioides
- Astelia solandri
- Dianella nigra
- Libertia grandiflora
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Tracheophyta
- Class
- Liliopsida
- Order
- Asparagales
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Genus
- Cordyline
- Species
- Cordyline pumilio
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