Good for kete and whāriki if blades are long enough as it dries into mixed greenish-tan shades. If long enough can, with care, produce good muka for whenu in kete, wall-hangings, etc. The NZ Department of Agriculture (1908) described its fibre as strong and elastic, thin but tough. In strength, the fibre was by far the best of 10 cultivars tested. It was said to be highly prized for making fine mats and cloaks. Best (1909) said that in the Urewera nets and snares were made from the undressed leaves.
| Source | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Cultivar No |  |
50 |
| Source | |
Maniapoto. |
| Description | |
Short, bendy variety smudged with reddish shadings on sides and tips of blades. Overall bush has a yellow-bronze appearance particularly in the older leaves. Despite brownish tips and markings it is different from Tupurupuru. |
| Uses | |
Good for kete and whāriki if blades are long enough as it dries into mixed greenish-tan shades. If long enough can, with care, produce good muka for whenu in kete, wall-hangings, etc. The NZ Department of Agriculture (1908) described its fibre as strong and elastic, thin but tough. In strength, the fibre was by far the best of 10 cultivars tested. It was said to be highly prized for making fine mats and cloaks. Best (1909) said that in the Urewera nets and snares were made from the undressed leaves. |
| Muka extraction |  |
Muka extracts cleanly. Medium amount of fibre. Para removes easily from most whenu. |
| Raranga - unboiled | |
Whenu are strong, pliable, leathery and slightly waxy. All good qualities for excellent raranga flax. Edges fray slightly. Whenu rapidly turn golden yellow as weaving progresses, quite unusual. Reminds me of Atewheke. |
