THE HOME OF THE FLAX PLANT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3920, 19 March 1929, Page 3

THE HOME OF THE FLAX PLANT.

AN INTERESTING THEORY. An interesting theory in regard to the home of the fiax in the Manawatu was advanced by Mr. Val Croon during a recent inspection by our representative of the Motuiti Flax Co.’s planting operations at Motuiti. It is quite evident, said Mr. Croon, that flax is not a native of the swamps as is evidenced iby the excellent growth it puts on when planted on dry or sandy country. The opinion has been expressed by one of New Zealand’s leading botanists that the home of the flax in the Manawatu is the Tararua Ranges. The theory held by this gentleman is that in 'the first place the ranges were covered with flax which grew in profusion but with the coming of the hush the flax was forced down the mountain side into the plains and the bush, ever spreading, finally forced it -into the swamps with which localities it has been associated ever since. The first growth to appear on a slip in the ranges or high country to-day was always flax, a different species from the swamp flax, but nevertheless a mountain variety which tended to hear out the theory advanced in connection with the home of the flax.