This native plant was used by Maori. It is the principal weaving plant, and many weavers use named forms selected for leaf pliability, colour and fibre quality.
Leaf strips are used in raranga, the plaiting of kete (containers) and whāriki (mats). Extracted fibre (muka or whītau) is used to make traditional kākahu (cloaks), and for cordage. Today, harakeke is also used in non-traditional ways to create original and exciting works of art.
It is also used in traditional Maori medicine (Rongoa Maori) to treat common ailments.
The botanical name for this plant is Phormium Tenax.