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

New Zealand flax grows admirably in the coast region of California.

From One Thousand Questions in California Agriculture Answered by Wickson, Edward J. (Edward James)

Maori name for a species of New Zealand flax.

From Austral English A dictionary of Australasian words, phrases and usages with those aboriginal-Australian and Maori words which have become incorporated in the language, and the commoner scientific words that have had their origin in Australasia by Morris, Edward Ellis

Taylor also took with him a sample of New Zealand flax, which was successfully treated by the process.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 417, December 29, 1883 by Various

They had also rough cords of palm-fibre, and they seem to have preferred plaiting to weaving; yet New Zealand flax and aloes grow abundantly.

From To the Gold Coast for Gold A Personal Narrative in Two Volumes.—Volume I by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir

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)