Astelia fragrans

A clump-forming evergreen herbaceous perennial, to around 1m (39in) high and across, bearing mid-green strap-shaped leaves which are bright, metallic silver on their undersides. These arch upwards and outwards from the base of the plant and can be up to 1.2m (4ft) long and 8cm (3½in) across. Green, fragrant flowers appear in panicles in the centre of the plant in spring, followed by clusters of orange berries on female plants around 1cm (½in) in diameter in summer. The plant is dioecious - producing either male or female plants, meaning both male and female plants are required for the female to produce berries. An architectural plant, its dramatic foliage providing a useful focal-point in courtyard and urban gardens.