Astelia chathamica, kakaha, Moriori flax, or Chatham Island astelia is endemic to the Chatham Islands where it is known from Chatham Island and Pitt Island. It grows in and occupies a range of moist sites, and can be found on forest floors, cliffs, rock bluffs, lakeshore scarps and stream margins, as well as in swamps. It was formerly widespread, but now tends to be restricted to sheltered, rocky, or protected spots in the bush or scrub where it is safe from grazing, as browsing and physical destruction by stock and feral animals have impacted severely on this species. This nationally endangered plant is the largest and most easily recognised species of astelia, and its robust, broad, long flax-like silvery leaves that are clad in silvery hairs make it quite an outstanding plant in both its natural environment, and in any garden. It forms a large clump of 1.5m or so tall, and is extremely hardy to most conditions. Male and female flowers are found on separate plants, and the male flower stalk is very thick and bears dark green, scented flowers, while the female plant has pale, greenish-white flowers. Flowering occurs from October to December, while the orange or red fruit may be seen from February to July.