Harakeke Flax fibre

From the Harakeke Flax plant one of the most versatile material of Astronasia is created: Harakeke Flex fibre. This fibre is used in the crafting of several goods such as clothing.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Harakeke Flax fibre is a thin hairy yellowish brown string, around fifteen millimetres in diameter.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Harakeke flax fibre is notoriously though to break, with fabrics made out of it being able to withstand several cuts.

Geology & Geography

Harakeke flax plants are cultivated by farmers in small flax nurseries and bigger flax plantations in the wet lowlands of the western coasts.

Origin & Source

Harakeke flax fibre is made from the Harakeke fleshy parts of the Harakeke plant. Harakeke Flax plants grows as a clump of long, sword-shaped leaves of around two meters in length. These leaves are usually dark green with lighter coloured edges and a central rib. From the central plant a rigid stem with a flower stalk shoots up which can reach five meters. On this stalk grows a tube-shaped flower with bright yellow or red colours. These flowers produce large quantities of nectar to attract sever nectar feeding species. The pods that develop after being fertilised each contain hundreds of seeds which disperse themselves on the wind.

History & Usage

Everyday use

Harakeke Flax fibre is commonly used to make Harakeke ropes which can be used to bind roofs, weave nets, and even weave sturdy baskets. The fibre is also used to make the thinner Harakeke yarn which can be used to weave fine clothes.

Refinement

When a Harakeke Flax plant is ready to be harvested it gets cut near the base. The green fleshy parts of the leaves are stripped off with a knife and then undergoes an labour intensive process where they are washed, bleached, softened, dyed, and dried. The fibre which is created through this process is can be used to spin sturdy ropes, or gets put through another process to make it suitable for clothing. The fibre is washed, pounded, and wrung out until it is finally soft enough and then spun into cords from which clothes can be spun.

Type

Textile

Color

Yellowish brown