Phormium tenax

New Zealand flax. An evergreen shrub, usually 2-3m (6-10 ft) high with sword-shaped leathery leaves. These leaves produce a strong fibre suitable for ropes, paper etc. They can also be used as twine merely by splitting and using fresh; or whole for basketry. Likes sun or part shade; tolerates exposure and suitable for hedging. Bee plant. Hardy to -12°C; naturalised in SW England.