North Island toetoe

Austroderia toetoe | North Island toetoe, toetoe

 

Austroderia, or toetoe, comprises five species of tall grasses native to New Zealand. Austroderia toetoe, endemic to the North Island (from western Waikato south to Wellington), thrives in swamps and wet ground, often found alongside harakeke. Larger than Austroderia fulvida, it features more erect stems that bear striking, "blonded" golden plumes from mid-summer, persisting into winter. Naturally forming large clumps along water margins, toetoe is ideal for mass plantings along streams, ponds, or coastlines.

wetland

lowland forest

lower montane forest

valley forest

riparian forest

wet

moist

well drained

full sun

height | 4m

width | 3m

flowering |  November–February

fruiting |  October–March

Māori extensively used toetoe leaves for crafting various items, including baskets, kites, mats, and for wall linings and roof thatching. Its water-resistant fibers also made it suitable for containers used to cook food in hot springs.