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Tākirikau

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A real whītau harakeke, producing long strands of strong, shiny fibre. Could be good for strong whenu (warp) in weaving. Very good piupiu variety, particularly for ladies piupiuóeasy to prepare, has plenty of length and dries hard and very strong. Dries to a pale clear yellowy cream when boiled for one minute. Unboiled, has a little more greenish tone.
  Source Details
Cultivar No Source: Rene Orchiston  5
Source Source: Rene Orchiston  Tauwhareparae, East Coast.
Description Source: Rene Orchiston

 A favourite of the Ngāti Porou. The term tākirikau (like tīhore) is applied to all the finer cultivars of flax which can be stripped of fibre without the use of a shell (i.e., with the fingers only).

A very handsome harakeke, growing at times up to 3 metres high. Straight, very strong, pale yellowy-green leaves. Bright yellow-orange margin and keel. Small number of very high, heavy kōrari.
Uses Source: Rene Orchiston  A real whītau harakeke, producing long strands of strong, shiny fibre. Could be good for strong whenu (warp) in weaving. Very good piupiu variety, particularly for ladies piupiuóeasy to prepare, has plenty of length and dries hard and very strong. Dries to a pale clear yellowy cream when boiled for one minute. Unboiled, has a little more greenish tone.
Muka extraction Source: Katarina Tawiri  Muka extracts effortlessly and cleanly. Para removes easily.
Raranga - unboiled Source: Katarina Tawiri  Even while harvesting, leaves feel soft, leathery, and pliable. Dead leaves also feel soft. Similar to Kōhunga. Edges fray, strands of muka keep separating from whenu when softening.

Gallery

Tākirikau: seed pods Image
Tākirikau: seed pods
Tākirikau: young bush Image
Tākirikau: young bush
Tākirikau: flowers Image
Tākirikau: flowers

Information sources

Source: Rene OrchistonRene Orchiston

Source: Katarina TawiriKatarina Tawiri

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