Cordyline australis Ti Tawhiti - Cabbage Tree

Cordyline australis 'Ti Tawhiti' is an ancestral selection that distinguishes itself from the species capable of forming true trees by its compactness, as it rarely exceeds 1m (3 ft 4 in) in height. Adopted by the Maoris for its nutritional qualities, this food plant was saved from extinction by a second use in ornamental gardens. Forming a clump of 1m (3 ft 4 in) in all directions, devoid of trunk and flowering, its long dark green leaves give it a wild appearance. An original plant for the frost-free areas of the coast.

Cordyline australis is a tree-like perennial plant from the family Asparagaceae (formerly Agavaceae) endemic to New Zealand. In nature, this plant reaches a height of 20m (65 ft 7 in) and forms a robust trunk that branches out into numerous leafy-headed branches that can reach 1m (3 ft 4 in) in length. The cordyline is found in diverse habitats, such as forest edges, riverbanks, and open areas, especially near swamps.
Locally nicknamed "Dwarf New Zealand Cabbage Tree", 'Ti Tawhiti' is a dwarf form of the species, as it forms a clump 1m (3 ft 4 in) in height and width, and does not form a trunk.  The Maoris selected this variety for its nutritional properties before the arrival of colonists on their island. The Maoris propagated it by suckers that they recovered at the base of the plant and replanted on large stones to make it easy to retrieve the roots, which were eaten after being steamed.
Mentioned in a work by Potts and Gray dating back to 1870 dedicated to cultivable plants in New Zealand, this useful plant almost disappeared until a specimen was found in 1906 and multiplied. This Cordyline was saved from extinction thanks to the interest shown by European gardeners, who began planting it in their gardens, most often under the name Cordyline 'Thomas Kirk' (or C. 'Kirkii'), named after a fervent New Zealand botanist.

Distinct from the species that reaches tree proportions, 'Ti Tawhiti' is a compact variety reaching 1m (3 ft 4 in) in height, with an equivalent width. The clump of dark green, very elongated and pointed leaves are not prickly due to their flexibility and eventually form a brownish-grey stem, giving a mini-palm-like appearance. No one has ever seen it flower, the plant reproduces vegetatively, emitting suckers from the base. The stem can also produce lateral shoots.
Not very hardy, down to about -5°C (23 °F) although some sources attribute it slightly higher hardiness (zone 8b, around -9°C (15.8 °F)) this small Cordyline is well adapted to cool coastal climates. It prefers full sun, or possibly partial shade in sunnier and warmer climates, in moist soil but with some watering, can also tolerate drier conditions.

More of a botanical and historical curiosity than a horticultural beauty, this Cordyline is probably not the first choice for your garden. Not flowering, and with uninspiring foliage, it will only interest enthusiasts for its authentic appearance. Resistant to wind and salt spray, it is a good plant for the coast. It will allow you to create exotic scenes alongside other characteristic plants, such as the Phormium tenax, or New Zealand Flax, which forms imposing clumps of 2m (6 ft 7 in) in all directions, with its long green ribbon-like leaves, and towering flower stalks of 3 or 4m (9 ft 10 in or 13 ft 1 in) in height. The Japanese Banana Tree, or Musa basjoo, with its distinctive sculptural silhouette, will further enhance the style of your planting bed. The Tetrapanax papyrifera Rex, with its immense leaves (up to 1.10m (3 ft 7 in) in diameter), will also be a good companion (however, be sure to surround it with a rhizome barrier to prevent it from becoming invasive).