New Zealand Journal of Botany abstracts

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Phormium tenax (Agavaceae) leaf anatomy effects on fibre extraction by the Maori haro method

Marcus King

Industrial Research Ltd
P. O. Box 20028
Christchurch, New Zealand
Email: m.king@irl.cri.nz

Abstract   Fracture mechanics tests and electron microscope studies showed that the fibre-bundle sheath cells of Phormium tenax varieties from which fibre can be easily extracted by the Maori haro method were weak and thin-walled. The method causes fracture to occur along this layer of cells that surround the fibre-bundles. As a result, the fibre-bundles that are removed from these varieties are very clean and require little further preparation before use.

Keywords   fibre-bundle sheath cells; fibre extraction; flax; harakeke; haro; Phormium tenax

B02053 Received 22 July 2002; accepted 30 April 2003; online publication date 11 September 2003
New Zealand Journal of Botany, 2003, Vol. 41: 571-578
0028-825X/03/4103-0571 $7.00 © The Royal Society of New Zealand 2003

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