inaka
Dracophyllum longifolium | inaka, inanga, grass tree
A unique species to incorporate in any garden Inaka boasts attractive, slender, grass-like foliage that creates a captivating texture in any landscape. It forms a dense, upright shrub, perfect for adding vertical interest or creating a privacy screen or as a single stemed tree up to 12m tall. Inaka thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a low-maintenance and visually appealing addition to gardens of all styles.
typical habitat.
coastal scrub
alpine
shrubland
forest margins
subalpine scrub
cliff tops
drainage.
well drained
sun.
full sun
partial shade
mature specifications.
height | 12m (often a shrub 1.5m)
width | 1.5m
pollinators calendar.
flowering | October–March
fruiting | Throughout the year
did you know?
Inaka's uses extend beyond its ornamental value. Weavers traditionally utilised its long, rigid leaves for decorative elements in crafts like cloak tags. Wind bent branches of inaka were ingeniously employed by muttonbirders on the Titi Islands to construct small, round shelters known as whare pōtaka.