Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree)

Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree) white flower close up on a slender green stem
Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree) clusters of small white flowers on a thin woody branch

Botanical name: Cordyline australis

Common name: Cabbage Tree

Family: Asparagaceae    (Formerly:Laxmanniaceae)

Subfamily: Lomandroideae

Origin: New Zealand

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-11

Large tree taller than 20 ftSmall tree 10-20 ftPlant form: Large or medium tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 20 ft or more
Full sunSemi-shadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWatering: Moderate
White, off-white flowersFlower color: White and off-white
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; large gardens
Ornamental foliageFoliage color: Ornamental foliage
Fragrant plantFragrance: Fragrant; perfume plant

The Cordyline australis is a monocotyledon endemic to New Zealand. The leaves are sword-shaped, 1.5 to 3ft long and 1 to 3in broad at the base, with numerous parallel veins. It has creamy, fragrant white flowers in late Spring and Summer followed by white-blue berries.

The subspecies (or variety) atropurpurea is especially notable for its reddish foilage, and several cultivars are available.

Because their high carbohydrate content can be made digestible by cooking, they were a valuable food source.

Because it tolerates cold weather better than many other tree-sized monocots, this plant is often planted by people wishing to give a tropical, exotic look to their yards or gardens. Fast-growing, and easy to cultivate.

Similar plants: Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree)


Image gallery: 6 images
Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree) with dark maroon sword shaped leaves in a round plant pot.
Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree) growing with colorful filler flowers inside a large round clay pot.
Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree) white flower close up on long thin green leaves
Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree) white flower spike reaching upwards over narrow green leaves.
Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree) green leaves and white flower spikes.
Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree) with tall white flower spikes above green sword-like leaves.
Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree) purple leaves plant in a radial star shape top close up
Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree) with sharp purple leaves radiating outward from a central stem base.
Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree) purple leaves plant spreading from the center in sunlight
Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree) with sharp purple leaves radiating outward from a central point.
Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree) burgundy maroon leaves plant growing in a nursery container.
Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree) with slender maroon leaves spreading outwards from a central point.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/cordyline_australis.htm
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