Many “invasive" plants have a deep cultural reverence and practical purpose in their places of origins and should be treated with as much respect as possible in their extraction. Giving them second-life in an honorable way deepens our stewardship.

New Zealand Flax is invasive outside its native range, disrupting local ecosystems. In Aotearoa, the plant holds significance for the Maori people, who call it harakeke. The seeds of the plant can be used as an ingredient to make oil paint, while its fibers can be woven to make canvas for painting.

I’d rather go floral than viral.