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The phormium tenax, or New Zealand flax [1842]

Alexander Turnbull Library | All Rights Reserved

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Date

[1845]

Artist

Martha King (c. 1803-1897)

Collective Title

Wakefield, Edward Jerningham 1820-1879 :Illustrations to "Adventure in New Zealand". Lithographed from original drawings taken on the spot by Mrs Wicksteed, Miss King, Mrs Fox, Mr John Saxton, Mr Charles Heaphy, Mr S. C. Brees and Captain W. Mein Smith. London, Smith Elder & Co, 1845.

Collection

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image Link

https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22694654

Description

Leaf, flower branch and disected flower of phormium tenax, harakeke or New Zealand flax

The accompanying text reads: The leaves grow out of the ground to heights varying from three to twelve feet. The flax-like fibre is obtained from the leaf by scraping it with a mussel-shell. The flowers are full of syrup. Each plant has generally two or three flower-stems, and from thirty to forty leaves.

A close copy of two of Martha King's watercolours combined: "[Flax. 1842]", ref. A-005-002 and "Korari. [1842]", Ref. no. A-005-001

Image Licence

All Rights Reserved

Image Credit

Alexander Turnbull Library

Location

New Zealand

Country

Medium

Tags

Plants
Flowers

Category

Glossary
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© 2024 Watercolour World | Technology by The Museum Platform

© 2024 Watercolour World | Technology by The Museum Platform