Story: Shrubs and small trees of the forest

Cabbage tree kete

Cabbage tree kete

The cabbage tree was an important fibre plant for early Māori. They used the leaves to weave food carrying baskets or kete, shown here, as well as mats, rain capes and sandals.

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: I.006539

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Joanna Orwin, 'Shrubs and small trees of the forest - Cabbage trees', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/13832/cabbage-tree-kete (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Joanna Orwin, published 24 Sep 2007, updated 1 Jul 2015