Small evergreen tree found in wetter areas throughout NZ most frequently at higher, cooler altitudes and in frosty valleys. Leaves are long soft, parallel-sided with many small marginal teeth. Bark is smooth and light brown. Flowers are small in clusters most abundant on woody twigs below the leaves, yellow for female, purple for males on separate trees, flowering mid-winter to early summer. Fruits 4-6mm dark purple late winter to late summer.

A compact, upright flax with narrow emerald-green leaves forming a small bushy clump. Much smaller than P. cookianum, so better for use in a home garden. Ideal for border group plantings or in containers. Grows well in most well drained positions. Evergreen. Hardy.

Broadly spreading, evergreen. Broad drooping bronze-purple blades producing a typical coastal flax form.

Stiffly erect, evergreen leaves with a dark brown stripe on the edge. Very hardy, naturally growing in subalpine areas. Flowers attract birds and bees Suitable for small gardens and low cover on exposed sites.