  We use the matrix product approach to construct all optimum ground states of
general anisotropic spin-2 chains with nearest neighbour interactions and
common symmetries. These states are exact ground states of the model and their
properties depend on up to three parameters. We find three different
antiferromagnetic Haldane phases, one weak antiferromagnetic and one weak
ferromagnetic phase. The antiferromagnetic phases can be described as spin
liquids with exponentially decaying correlation functions. The variety of
phases found with the matrix product ansatz also gives insight into the
behaviour of spin chains with arbitrary higher spins.
