New Zealand flax

American  

noun

1. a large New Zealand plant, Phormium tenax, of the agave family, having showy, red-margined, leathery leaves and dull-red flowers, grown as an ornamental and for the fiber-yielding leaves.

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Etymology

Origin of New Zealand flax

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

New Zealand flax

The rind of the Adansonia digitata also yields an extremely good material; in particular, paper made entirely from New Zealand flax deserves consideration, being, by virtue of its superior toughness, eminently suited for "bill paper."

From The Former Philippines thru Foreign Eyes by Craig, Austin

Bob Atkins and Bill approached the combatants, carrying some strong cord, of New Zealand flax.

From The Book of the Bush Containing Many Truthful Sketches Of The Early Colonial Life Of Squatters, Whalers, Convicts, Diggers, And Others Who Left Their Native Land And Never Returned by Macfarlane, J.

Shirts made of thin soft flannel, knickerbockers and Norfolk jackets of tough New Zealand flax, with gaiters of the same material.

From By Sheer Pluck, a Tale of the Ashanti War by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)

The saddles and bridles were soon removed, and halters improvised out of the New Zealand flax, which can be turned to so many uses.

From Station Amusements in New Zealand by Barker, Lady (Mary Anne)

"This is the very thing, Mrs. Renshaw," he said; "this is what is called New Zealand flax, and I have no doubt it will be strong enough for our purpose."

From Maori and Settler A Story of The New Zealand War by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)