''Astelia fragrans'', commonly known as bush lily, bush flax or kakaha, is the most common

astelia ''Astelia'' is a genus of flowering plants in the recently named family Asteliaceae. They are rhizomatous tufted perennial plant, perennials native to various islands in the Pacific, Indian, and South Atlantic Oceans, as well as to Australia an ...

species found in New Zealand. It grows from sea level to elevations of approximately 900 metres. ''A. fragrans'' has long, sword-like green leaves, with midribs that can be red. In the centre of the plant, clumps of green flowers are produced between October and November. During summer yellow-orange fruit is created. It was first described by

William Colenso William Colenso (17 November 1811 – 10 February 1899) FRS was a Cornish Christian missionary to New Zealand, and also a printer, botanist, explorer and politician. He attended the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and later wrote an acco ...

in 1883.

References

Asteliaceae Flora of New Zealand Taxa named by William Colenso Plants described in 1883 {{Asparagales-stub