Status:
valid
Authors:
Skottsb.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1937
Citation Micro:
Occas. Pap. Bernice Pauahi Bishop Mus. 13: 240 (1937)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000638866
Common Names
- Astelia rapensis
- Rapa Astelia
- Rapa Silver Spear
Description
Astelia rapensis (also called the Rapensis Astelia, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant native to New Guinea. It has a single, long, thin, curved stem with three longitudinal ridges and two to three leaves. It is found in wet tropical forests, often near streams and rivers.
Uses & Benefits
Astelia rapensis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used for its medicinal properties, such as treating skin ailments and digestive issues.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Astelia rapensis are white or pink, with five petals and five sepals. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings have long, thin stems and small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Astelia rapensis is an evergreen shrub that can reach up to 8 feet in height. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Propagation is usually done by division or cuttings, which should be taken in early summer and rooted in a sandy soil mix. Seeds can also be used for propagation, but they may take longer to germinate.
Where to Find Astelia rapensis
Astelia rapensis can be found in New Zealand and Australia.
Astelia rapensis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Astelia rapensis?
Astelia rapensis
What is the common name of Astelia rapensis?
Rapa Astelia
What is the natural habitat of Astelia rapensis?
Mountainous regions of New Zealand
Species in the Astelia genus
Astelia alpina,
Astelia argyrocoma,
Astelia australiana,
Astelia banksii,
Astelia chathamica,
Astelia fragrans,
Astelia graminea,
Astelia grandis,
Astelia hastata,
Astelia hemichrysa,
Astelia linearis,
Astelia menziesiana,
Astelia microsperma,
Astelia montana,
Astelia nadeaudii,
Astelia neocaledonica,
Astelia nervosa,
Astelia nivicola,
Astelia papuana,
Astelia petriei,
Astelia psychrocharis,
Astelia pumila,
Astelia rapensis,
Astelia skottsbergii,
Astelia solandri,
Astelia spicata,
Astelia subulata,
Astelia tovii,
Astelia trinervia,
Astelia waialealia,
Astelia samoense,
Species in the Asteliaceae family
Astelia alpina,
Astelia argyrocoma,
Astelia australiana,
Astelia banksii,
Astelia chathamica,
Astelia fragrans,
Astelia graminea,
Astelia grandis,
Astelia hastata,
Astelia hemichrysa,
Astelia linearis,
Astelia menziesiana,
Astelia microsperma,
Astelia montana,
Astelia nadeaudii,
Astelia neocaledonica,
Astelia nervosa,
Astelia nivicola,
Astelia papuana,
Astelia petriei,
Astelia psychrocharis,
Astelia pumila,
Astelia rapensis,
Astelia skottsbergii,
Astelia solandri,
Astelia spicata,
Astelia subulata,
Astelia tovii,
Astelia trinervia,
Astelia waialealia,
Astelia samoense,
Milligania lindoniana,
Milligania stylosa,
Milligania longifolia,
Milligania densiflora,
Milligania johnstonii,
Neoastelia spectabilis,