Kiekie (Freycinetia banksii) is a distinctive woody climbing plant native to New Zealand. As the sole New Zealand member of the tropical screwpine family (Pandanaceae), it stands out among the native flora. This unique vine offers a fascinating study in adaptation and cultural significance.
Understanding Kiekie’s Appearance and Growth
Kiekie is characterized by long, blade-like leaves, typically 60 to 90 centimeters long and 2 to 2.5 centimeters wide. These dark green leaves often show a pleated appearance, spirally arranged in dense tufts at the ends of its branches. The plant develops numerous woody, cane-like stems, reaching up to 40 millimeters in diameter and extending up to 30 meters in length.
The plant produces aerial roots from its stems, allowing it to cling to tree trunks or rocks. If no suitable support is available, kiekie can form dense, tangled masses on the forest floor. Kiekie is dioecious, meaning individual plants bear either male or female flowers. Both sexes produce flowers on woody spikes, up to 15 cm long, emerging from the leaf tuft in spring.
The male flowers are enclosed by whitish, fleshy bracts called tāwhara. The female plant develops three or four fruits, called ureure, which resemble small pineapples with a rough skin and sweet pink pulp. These fruits ripen to a pinky-brown color in late autumn, around May, and are also surrounded by fleshy bracts.
Kiekie’s Natural Habitat
Kiekie is endemic to New Zealand, thriving in environments across both the North and South Islands. It is widely distributed in lowland forests of the North Island and common in higher rainfall areas of the South Island. Its southern limits are near the Clarence River on the east coast and Fiordland in the west.
This plant prefers damp, shady locations, often found in coastal to montane forests. It commonly attaches itself to tree stems, climbing upwards to access light. Kiekie’s presence contributes to the forest ecosystem, providing shelter and a food source for native fauna, including birds, rats, and possums, which consume its sweet fruits and flower bracts.
Traditional Uses and Cultural Significance of Kiekie
Kiekie holds cultural importance for Māori, who traditionally utilized various parts of the plant. The strong, pliable leaves were a source of fiber for weaving, especially for communities living inland where New Zealand flax (harakeke) was less abundant. Māori weavers used kiekie leaves to create finely woven items such as kete (baskets) and tukutuku panels. The leaves were often prepared by boiling, rinsing, and drying to bleach them white, making them suitable for weaving and dyeing.
Beyond weaving, the edible parts of kiekie were highly valued. The sweet tāwhara flower bracts were a desirable food, often harvested in spring. The ureure fruit, which ripens in late autumn, was also eaten. These edible components provided a seasonal food source, with the flower bracts sometimes made into juice or jelly. Additionally, the plant’s aerial roots were traditionally gathered and used as binding material for tools, and in the construction of items like fish traps and sandals.
Cultivating Kiekie
Cultivating kiekie outside its natural environment requires specific conditions. The plant prefers conditions that mimic its humid forest origins, including consistent moisture and filtered light. Partial shade is ideal, as too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, while excessive shade may reduce its vigor.
Kiekie needs well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. Providing a support structure, such as a tree trunk or a trellis, is beneficial for its climbing habit. While it can be propagated from seed or cuttings, establishing kiekie can be slow. Regular watering is necessary, especially during dry periods, and occasional feeding with an organic fertilizer can support its growth.