Cultivation and Use of Pingao

Forest and Bird, Volume 15, Issue 3, 1 August 1984, Page 5

Cultivation and Use of Pingao

Pingao (Desmoschoenus Spiralis) was widely used by the early Maori asa weaving material. The long, narrow leaves turn bright golden yellow when dry which provided contrast to red and black dyed fibres used in tukutuku panelling. With the recent resurgence in Maori crafts there is an increasing demand for pingao as araw material. But it is no longer plentiful and has become locally extinct in many parts of the country. It is possible that the demand for pingao can be met by supplementary planting or re-establishment on modified dunelands. Pingao is extremely difficult to raise from seed, but has been grown with some success by transplanting young healthy shoots. These shoots are transplanted in late winter before the new season’s growth begins. They must be planted so their growing tips are well within the moist sand zone and below the dry surface layer. Often this means burying the tufts so only the top quarter of their leaves are emergent. Pingao thrives best on unconsolidated sand which is free from marram grass. Transplanting and artificial cultivation of pingao could provide a sustainable resource and would lessen the need to harvest from the dwindling natural populations.