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Arawa

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Excellent muka harakeke. The best Mrs Orchiston found for producing long strands of clean fibre with hāro method (stripping with a shell). Good for piupiu because it is so easy to prepare. Especially good for ladies piupiu because of the length although the prepared strips do not dry as strong as other cultivars. When boiled for one minute, it dries to a cream colour. Ideal for whenu and aho in kākahu and for muka kete.
  Source Details
Cultivar No Source: Rene Orchiston 42
Source Source: Rene Orchiston Rotoiti area.
Description Source: Rene Orchiston

Straight, fairly long, medium green blades. Up to 2.5 m tall. Reddish-orange margin and keel. Very high flower heads but seldom flowers.
Uses Source: Rene Orchiston Excellent muka harakeke. The best Mrs Orchiston found for producing long strands of clean fibre with hāro method (stripping with a shell). Good for piupiu because it is so easy to prepare. Especially good for ladies piupiu because of the length although the prepared strips do not dry as strong as other cultivars. When boiled for one minute, it dries to a cream colour. Ideal for whenu and aho in kākahu and for muka kete.
Muka extraction Source: Katarina Tawiri Muka extracts easily and cleanly when cut is made deep enough. When cut is shallow, some leaf matter sticks to fibre and stains it when cleaned off. Para removes effortlessly. Large amount of fibre, strong and coarse.
Raranga - unboiled Source: Katarina Tawiri Typical muka flax. Edges constantly fray, whenu easily split. Whenu dry out quickly once softened.

Gallery

Arawa: bush Image
Arawa: bush
Arawa: flowers Image
Arawa: flowers
Arawa: flowers Image
Arawa: flowers
Arawa: leaves Image
Arawa: leaves
Arawa: seed pods Image
Arawa: seed pods

Information sources

Source: Rene OrchistonRene Orchiston

Source: Katarina TawiriKatarina Tawiri

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