Tōtara
Podocarpus totara · Podocarpaceae · also Totara
A long-lived native conifer growing to about 30 m with thick, stringy reddish bark, stiff brownish-green needle-like leaves and red fleshy fruit that kererū and other birds eat. Māori prized its durable red timber for waka and carving, and the Pouakani tōtara is over 42 m tall and 3.9 m across. It is the most commonly planted podocarp in New Zealand restoration and farm forestry, and is very drought tolerant for a native.
Where it stands
Native
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand · Endemic; Not Threatenedsource
Care
Plant in sun or light shade on drained soil; it tolerates dry, lower-rainfall sites but not waterlogging. Interplanting among nurse shrubs improves stem form. Water the first summer; protect from stock and hares. Grows slowly for decades then steadily; prune side branches in winter if a clean trunk is wanted. A fungal leaf spot (Corynelia) is cosmetic.
Benefits
Good for