Cordyline pumilio Hook.F.

Plant rarely > 2 m high usually not very stiffly erect. Leaves 30-60-(100) × 1-2 cm, ± narrowed above base to short petiole; midrib prominent abaxially towards base. Panicle very lax, c. 60 cm long, branches slender. Flowers small, widely spaced, very shortly pedicellate, whitish or pink externally; segments 4-5 mm long. Berry bluish or blue-flecked.

It grows in forests, swamps and rocky locations in the North Island of New Zealand. It needs a well-composted, moist, well-drained soil. It needs a sheltered partly shaded position. It is resistant to forst but damaged by drought.

The sweet, fleshy underground stems or rhizomes are steamed or baked and eaten. The central pith of the trunk can be steamed and eaten. The central core or base of the young leaves emerging from the stem is diced and eaten raw or cooked.

Plants can be grown by seed or by division.