How many types of flax exist?

Answer 1

There are two species of Phormium indigenous to New Zealand; Phormium tenax is known as New Zealand Flax and Phormium cookianum (Mountain Flax ).

There are however, a number of named cultivars particularly of P. tenax - apparently over 200!

Answer 2

There are two main types of flax: Linum usitatissimum, commonly known as common flax or linseed, and Linum bienne, known as pale flax or wild flax. Common flax is the cultivated variety used for its seeds and fibers, while pale flax is a wild species that is sometimes used for genetic breeding.