Phormium tenax

Phormium tenax is a perennial plant native to New Zealand and Norfolk Island. It grows in clumps of long, strap-like leaves, which can reach up to two meters in length, with much taller flowering stems, from which yellow or red flowers emerge. The fiber of this plant has been used by the Māori for traditional textiles and later in the production of ropes and sails. It is considered an invasive species in some Pacific Islands and in Australia. The leaf blades contain cucurbitacins, which are toxic to some animals and among the most bitter tastes for humans.