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Does not strip well, but good for strong kete. The Flax Commissioner in Wanganui (1871) recorded its use for eel nets and baskets. Dries to a clear creamy white when boiled for one minute, more brown when unboiled. May be used for piupiu, although the para is inclined to adhere, but it dries hard and strong.
  Source Details
Cultivar No Source: Rene Orchiston 21
Source Source: Rene Orchiston Pipiriki, Wanganui River.
Description Source: Rene Orchiston

One of the favourites in the Wanganui River district.

A fine looking bush with tall, straight, wide, dark blue-green blades with a definite blue bloom on the underside of the leaves. Margin and keel very dark reddish brown. No kōrari.
Uses Source: Rene Orchiston

Does not strip well, but good for strong kete. The Flax Commissioner in Wanganui (1871) recorded its use for eel nets and baskets. Dries to a clear creamy white when boiled for one minute, more brown when unboiled. May be used for piupiu, although the para is inclined to adhere, but it dries hard and strong.

Rene's friend from this area sent a telegram to tell her she had sent the plant – "Ate flax sent today." The Post Office assuming a spelling error changed it to "Eight flax sent today"!
Muka extraction Source: Katarina Tawiri Muka extracts well and para removes well from most whenu.
Raranga - unboiled Source: Katarina Tawiri When softening whenu, it's hard to tell upper and back side of leaf apart as it has very little bloom. Butt end is fat, tip is thin. Whenu soften easily. Lovely for raranga.

Gallery

Ate: bush Image
Ate: bush
Ate: leaves Image
Ate: leaves
Ate: seed pods Image
Ate: seed pods

Information sources

Source: Rene OrchistonRene Orchiston

Source: Katarina TawiriKatarina Tawiri

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