My Nectar World: Weaving with Phormium tenax Variegatum

This plant is characterized by its resilience; it can grow in swampy areas as well as in places with full sun and little water. Native to New Zealand, it produces a fiber that was used by the Māori people for weaving and creating textiles. I use it often for Botanical basketry; it is one of my favorites along with Dracaena. It has long and incredibly strong leaves. If dried properly, the green color can last for years. This composition, made by weaving my hair with the fiber, shows the stitch I use (though, of course, I usually weave tighter and less 'freely')

Scan

Dec 2025