An attractive flax-like native garden plant known as Astelia is drawing strong interest from European markets and Crop & Food Research is working to speed-up plant multiplication for the markets.

The long graceful leaves of ‘Silver Spear' or Astelia chathamica are commonly seen in New Zealand gardens. It is one of 25 species in the Astelia genus, 13 of which are native to New Zealand. They have a good variety of colours including silver, red and fresh green as well as a range of leaf lengths from 10 cm to 3 m. Selection from wild populations and hybridisation has produced new forms with varied foliage colours and there is good potential for further selection and breeding.

Small volumes of Astelia cut foliage are exported by the floriculture industry. The foliage is known for its long life span and distinctive colours and forms. There is substantial potential for expansion of live plant exports. The plants grow from the wet lowland to subalpine environments, have no particular soil type requirements and are relatively untroubled by pests and diseases. Some speices are not well adapted to warmer lowland areas.

A rapid method of propagation is needed to meet demand for superior selections. Crop & Food Research scientist John Seelye has successfully developed rapid clonal propagation systems using tissue culture for several of the species. He has found that the success of these systems varies significantly between species and selections, with some species multiplying much more successfully than others.

The research has been carried out in a three year, Public Good Science Funded project, which will be completed in June 2000. Members of the New Zealand nursery industry supported the initiation of this research and are closely following progress.

By Iona Boase

Company news release
N1894