Figure 2. Flower of New Zealand flax from Sealers Creek in Auckland Island. The honey bee is taking nectar at the top of the tubular flower which is filled to the brim with nectar. If the nectar level is high enough, the bee’s tongue (7 mm) can reach it. Photo: Finn Scheele ©Trees for Bees NZ.
simultaneously. While flax can flower at the same time as mānuka, it could be an important pollen source since honey bees do not take mānuka pollen and need another pollen source at this time. Where planting along watercourses, it is important to ensure that the flaxes aren’t so close as to impede water flow in flood events. While the flaxes will tolerate being submerged underwater, larger plants can impede water flow, leading to damming and further flooding. It is best to establish grasses such as Carex secta adjacent to but still above the normal water flow level, with flaxes located further away from the stream margin and out of the flood zone if possible. Another issue with flaxes is that they can provide attractive nesting sites for rats when planted close together in groups. If this is an issue in your area, spread your flax plants out so that they don’t provide nesting sites around their base. With good planning and selection of the best varieties and convenient flowering times for your goals, flax can give a big boost to your bees because of their highly nutritious and abundant pollen.
very far into the flower. When the nectar is drained to a level below their reach, honey bees will sometimes access a little nectar at the base of the floral tube by inserting their tongue in between the petals. Honey bees are competing with nectar-loving birds like tui. If the birds take the nectar first, the honey bees will lose out. Planting advice New Zealand flaxes are widely used in Trees for Bees demonstration farms, primarily in riparian zone planting, but also as part of land stabilisation planting and wet areas, as excellent low shelter in shelterbelts, and as part of mixed native and exotic species plantings. It is a unique native plant used for weaving, cordage, landscaping and wetland restoration. For more information, go to http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/science/ plants-animals-fungi/plants/ethnobotany/ weaving-plants/information-sheets/harakeke- and-wharariki As noted earlier, the main species that we have used to date have been the common New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax ) and the mountain flax (Phormium cookianum) , with a wide number of varieties that can be used. It is important that the flaxes you plant flower
As flaxes typically flower between September and January, this can cause overlap with pollination services and
honey harvesting, which needs to be considered in your planting plans
as expected, especially the more cultivated forms. Phormium tenax grows quite large in time (up to 5–6m), and so it may not be suited where space is limited. In these situations, Phormium cookianum can work well as it only grows to about 2m, and can have narrower and more pendulous leaves, giving a softer appearance. As flaxes typically flower between September and January, this can cause overlap with pollination services and honey harvesting, which needs to be considered in your planting plans. Early settlers in New Zealand complained about flax nectar contaminating their clover honey as these can flower
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