Cordyline.

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Care level

Easy

Plant type

Shrub or Tree

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Mature size

20-30 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide

Growth rate

medium

Cuidados

Provide well-draining soil and consistent moisture, but allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun once established. Prune as needed to maintain shape or encourage branching.

Soil

Well-draining, loamy or sandy soil

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-7.0)

Seguridad

People

Leaves and roots can cause mild irritation if ingested; generally considered non-toxic in small amounts.

Pets

May cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested.

Edibility

While the young leaves and fruits of Cordyline australis are traditionally eaten by Māori people in New Zealand after cooking, it is not recommended for consumption by others without expert knowledge, as preparation is crucial and can be toxic if done incorrectly.

Cómo identificarla

• Long, strap-like, arching leaves
• Trunk often branched, sometimes multi-stemmed
• Clusters of small, fragrant white flowers
• Produces small, white, berry-like fruits
• Palm-like or tree-like growth habit
• New growth emerges from the center of leaf rosettes

Buenas compañeras

• Phormium — These New Zealand natives share a similar arid-tolerant nature and architectural form, creating a cohesive aesthetic.
• Hebe — Hebe varieties offer diverse flower colors and textures that complement the Cabbage Tree's structural form without competing for resources.
• Agapanthus — Their bold, rounded flower heads provide a beautiful contrast to the upright and linear form of Cordyline australis.

Mantenla lejos de

• Mealybugs — These sap-sucking insects can infest new growth and leaf axils, weakening the plant.
• Scale Insects — Scale can attach to stems and leaves, draining plant juices and potentially spreading disease.
• Overwatering — Excessive moisture can lead to root rot, especially in poorly draining soils.

Especies parecidas

• Dracaena — Many Dracaena species have a similar upright, palm-like appearance and strap-like leaves, though they are from a different genus.
• Yucca — Yucca plants also feature stiff, sword-like leaves and a tree-like form, often thriving in similar sunny, dry conditions.
• Phormium (New Zealand Flax) — While a different plant, Phormium shares the New Zealand origin and similar architectural, strap-leaved aesthetic.

Ciencia

Family

Asparagaceae

Genus

Cordyline

Order

Asparagales

Class

Liliopsida

Value to wildlife

nectar source, provides shelter

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Bueno saberlo

• The Cabbage Tree is New Zealand's most abundant native tree and was a vital food and resource for the Māori people.