This upright perennial has tall stout stems and forms a clump. The lanced-shaped leaves radiate and progressively fall off revealing a bare stem. It has leathery narrow dull green leaves and the fragrant saucer-shaped white flowers appearing in summer.
 
Hardiness zones 8 to 11

Cordyline australis is also known as ti-kauka and is naturally found in both islands of New Zealand growing in a wide range of habitats from swamp-lands to open hillsides. 

It grows in well-drained moderately fertile sandy soils that are tending acidic and prefers an open to expose sunny to semi shaded position and is frost and salt laden wind tolerant but is drought tender.

The Sago Palm and its cultivars are grown for their foliage, flowers and their solitary upright habit. They are grown in patio pots or planter boxes around swimming pools for a tropical effect or used around buildings. They are suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions establishing in 3 to 5 years and requiring little maintenance. ID 8

Cordyline (kor-DI-li-nee) australis (ow-STRAH-lis)

Asparagaceae (a-SPARE-uh-gus-AY-see-ee)