Libertia ixioides explained

Libertia ixioides (mānga-a-Huripapa, mikoikoi or tūkāuki^[1]) is a flowering plant in the family Iridaceae. The species is endemic to New Zealand. It is a rhizome-forming herbaceous perennial. The Latin ixioides means like an ixia,^[2] due to its similarities with that plant species.

Habitat

Libertia ixioides is common from coastal through to montane environments, and is especially common on ridges, cliffs, gullies, river banks, coastal cliffs, and upland forest. It has been recorded as epiphytic in some northern sites.

Cultivation

Libertia ixioides has become common in recent years in 'modern', low maintenance gardens due to its ordered, colourful foliage. Several cultivars have been introduced to the market, including:

• Libertia ixioides 'Gold Finger' - a cultivar that tolerates sun and dry better than the usual L. ixioides. Needs to have sun to keep colour.^[3]
• Libertia ixioides 'Highlander' - attractive year round display of gold seed pods. Green leaves with gold ribs.^[4]
• Libertia ixioides 'Taupo Blaze' - a cultivar that changes leaf colour in autumn/winter from green through to orange/yellow and deep red.^[5]
• Libertia ixioides 'Taupo Sunset' - a cultivar with narrow flax-like leaves, green with red stripe on edges.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Libertia ixioides (G.Forst.) Spreng.. Flora of New Zealand. 27 September 2015. Landcare Research.
2. Web site: Libertia ixioides. New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. 27 September 2015.
3. Web site: Libertia ixioides Gold Finger. Oratia Native Plant Nursery. Oratia Native Plant Nursery Limited. 27 September 2015.
4. Web site: LIBERTIA IXIODES HIGHLANDER. Greenleaf Nurseries. Greenleaf Nurseries. 27 September 2015.
5. Web site: Native Plants (Online Catalogue). Taupo Native Plant Nursery. Taupo Native Plant Nursery Limited. 27 September 2015.