Endemic to New Zealand
A widely branched monocot tree that grows up to 66 feet tall with a stout trunk and sword-like leaves, which are clustered at the tips of the branches and can be up to 3.3 feet long. It grows in a broad range of habitats, including forest margins, river banks and open places, and is abundant near swamps
Cordyline australis is one of the most widely cultivated New Zealand native trees. In Northwest Europe and other cool oceanic climates, it is very popular as an ornamental tree because it looks like a palm tree. Hardy forms from the coldest areas of the southern or inland South Island tolerate Northern Hemisphere conditions best, while North Island forms are much more tender. It is easily grown from fresh seed — seedlings often spontaneously appear in gardens from bird-dispersed seed — and can be grown very easily from shoot, stem and even trunk cuttings. It does well in pots and tubs. Used to promote a desert feel.