Dracophyllum longifolium
Inaka, also known as Inanga, is New Zealand's most widespread grass tree, creating a striking architectural presence with its clusters of long, narrow leaves and distinctive light grey bark. This remarkable member of the heath family can grow from a modest garden shrub to an impressive 12-meter tree in the wild, adapting to environments from coastal cliffs to alpine shrublands. Traditionally valued in Māori culture for weaving and construction, the gleaming leaves and wind-bent branches have served practical and decorative purposes for generations. Its ability to burn even when wet earned it the nickname "turpentine tree." native trees
Image credit: Inaka (Dracophyllum longifolium). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Dracophyllum longifolium |
|---|---|
| Height | 1-12 meters (garden: 1-2.5m) |
| Spread | 1-3 meters |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | High (alpine adaptation) |
| Salt Tolerance | High (coastal native) |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Lifespan | Very long-lived |
Inaka is remarkably adaptable, thriving from sea level to alpine zones up to 1,200 meters elevation. It's naturally found across diverse New Zealand environments including coastal cliffs, forests, shrublands, and mountain slopes, making it suitable for most New Zealand climate zones.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Good |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Ideal |
Inaka is remarkably adaptable to various soil conditions:
Very adaptable to different light conditions:
Low to moderate water needs with excellent drought tolerance:
Inaka requires minimal pruning:
The natural architectural form is often best left unpruned to showcase the distinctive clustered leaf pattern and branching structure.
The best time to plant Inaka is during spring when soil temperatures warm and growth begins. Early autumn is also suitable, giving roots time to establish before winter.
Choose a site with:
Water regularly during the first year until established. This hardy species then requires minimal care and thrives with neglect.
Inaka is notoriously difficult to propagate and should not be removed from the wild. All propagation attempts require patience and specialized techniques:
Due to propagation difficulties, it's important to source plants from reputable nurseries specializing in native plants rather than attempting to collect from the wild.
Inaka (Dracophyllum longifolium) holds profound cultural significance in New Zealand, representing both traditional Māori knowledge and the unique evolution of the country's flora:
Today, Inaka serves as a symbol of New Zealand's unique botanical heritage and the ingenuity of traditional Māori resource use, while challenging modern horticulturists with its difficult cultivation requirements.
The key to success with Inaka is replicating its natural harsh growing conditions. Provide excellent drainage, avoid overwatering, and plant in poor rather than rich soils. Most problems arise from too much care rather than too little.
Embrace Inaka's natural "sculptural" quality by planting it where its architectural form can be appreciated year-round. The contrast between the clustered grass-like leaves and light grey bark creates stunning visual interest, especially when backlit by morning or evening sun. Plant in gravel gardens or alongside rocks to emphasize its natural habitat preferences. Remember - this is a "less is more" plant that thrives on neglect and poor soils, making it perfect for challenging sites where other plants fail.
These grass‑trees share a preference for lean, well‑drained soils and high light.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
Learn more about traditional Māori plant uses in Cultural Plants.
Dracophyllum longifolium ranges from a shrub to a small tree with clusters of long, narrow, leathery leaves radiating from branch tips, creating a grass‑tree silhouette. Panicles of small, white flowers are followed by capsules. Bark may be patterned with pale grey tones on older stems; growth is slow but long‑lived.
Widespread from coastal cliffs and scrub to montane and subalpine shrublands. Common on poor, acidic, free‑draining soils and rocky slopes, often in windy, exposed locations with high light and frost.
Leaf form limits water loss under wind and sun; flowering supports pollinating insects in open habitats. Plants trap wind‑blown litter and stabilise shallow soils, gradually improving microsites for other natives.
Structural keystone in exposed shrublands and rocky sites, contributing evergreen cover, shelter, and textural diversity where few woody species persist.
Prioritise drainage and low fertility. Water sparingly after establishment and avoid fertilisers. Use mineral mulches and protect roots from disturbance.
Remove dead leaves/twigs; otherwise minimal pruning. Maintain open, weed‑free conditions around the base and avoid rich composts or frequent watering.
Ideal for gravel gardens, rocky banks, and exposed coastal/montane gardens. Pair with tussocks, Celmisia, and alpine hebes for resilient, textural plantings.
Inaka (Dracophyllum longifolium) is generally widespread and classified as "Not Threatened" in New Zealand. However, one variety, *Dracophyllum longifolium* var. *septentrionale*, is considered "At Risk - Naturally Uncommon," highlighting the importance of monitoring and protecting specific populations. Conservation efforts should focus on protecting its natural shrubland habitats from fire and invasive weeds, and using eco-sourced stock for restoration projects to maintain genetic diversity. Due to its difficult propagation, it should not be removed from the wild.
This plant has cultural associations in Aotearoa and is valued in restoration and gardens for ecological services; use eco‑sourced stock near natural areas.
Dracophyllum species, particularly īnanga (D. longifolium), were recognized by Māori for their excellent fire-starting properties, earning the name "turpentine shrub" for their ability to burn well even when wet. The distinctive appearance and ecological prominence of these "grass trees" made them important landscape markers and reference points for traditional navigation. Their unique architectural form and persistence in harsh environments gave them cultural significance as symbols of resilience.
