This Genus in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) and consists of 24 species of which many are used as ornamentals. They are native to Australia, New Zealand and many of the western Pacific islands. The Genus name comes from the Greek word kordyle , meaning "club," a reference to the enlarged underground rhizomes. Size will vary according to species with some 3-6 feet tall and others up to 40 feet tall. They will do well in full sun to partial shade in well-drained garden soil and are drought-tolerant once established. They will need protection in areas prone to frost. Some species are best grown as house plants. The strap-like leaves come in a variety of colors from green to variegated pinks and purples. The stems become woody as the plant grows into a tree-like form. The flowers are very fragrant and attract bees. Use this plant in the border, in groups or to add a tropical flare. They will do well in a container also. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Cold wet soils can cause rotting of the rhizomes and die back. Watch for mealybugs.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheAlocasia 'Calidora'Begonia 'Argenteo-guttata'Cycas revoluta
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Houseplant; Perennial
Life cycle
Perennial; Woody
USDA zones
9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Occasionally Dry
Available space
12-24 feet; 24-60 feet
Mature size
Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 40 ft. 0 in. | Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 16 ft. 0 in.
Long narrow strap-like leaves vary in color and size according to the species and cultivar.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; Pink; Red/Burgundy
Flower value
Fragrant
Flower form
Panicle
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Large dropping clusters of small yellow to whitish to mauve flowers appear in spring to summer. They have three petals and are fragrant. The cluster arises from under the base of the foliage. Rarely flowers in a pot
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Fruit color
Black; Blue; Red/Burgundy
Fruit type
Berry
Fruit detail
Fleshy fruit matures bluish to purple-black or red.
Stem detail
Woodystems with age
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
Western Pacific areas
Attracts
Bees
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Berry
Uses (ethnobotany)
Some species have been used medicinally and for food.
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Coastal; Container
Landscape theme
Asian Garden; Drought Tolerant Garden
Design feature
Border; Flowering Tree; Specimen
Garden tags
#partial shade tolerant #tropical look #problem for dogs #showy leaves #houseplant #coastal #problem for cats #full sun intolerant #border #container plant
Problems & Resistance
Problems
Contact Dermatitis; Problem for Cats; Problem for Dogs