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(Podocarpus totara)
Totara (Podocarpus totara)
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Christopher Stephens
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Christopher Stephens
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Christopher Stephens | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Christopher Stephens | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-01-09T13:34:26-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Podocarpus totara, commonly known as Totara, is an evergreen coniferous tree native to the North and South Islands of New Zealand, where it is found in coastal to montane forests. It is a slow-growing species that can reach a mature height of 20 to 25 meters. The Totara is characterized by its massive trunk, which can become exceptionally wide, and its bark, which exfoliates in papery flakes revealing a purplish to golden brown hue. The leaves are stiff and leathery, a dark green color, and can be up to 3 cm long. Totara is dioecious, with male and female cones on separate trees; however, the cones are not typically considered ornamental.
Totara is valued for its durability, resistance to decay, and cultural significance to the Māori people, who use it for carving and construction. In cultivation, it is used for specimen planting and reforestation projects. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and it prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade. Totara has few serious pest or disease problems, making it relatively easy to maintain. While it is not invasive, its large size at maturity should be considered when planting in smaller landscapes.CC BY-SA 4.0
Totara is valued for its durability, resistance to decay, and cultural significance to the Māori people, who use it for carving and construction. In cultivation, it is used for specimen planting and reforestation projects. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and it prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade. Totara has few serious pest or disease problems, making it relatively easy to maintain. While it is not invasive, its large size at maturity should be considered when planting in smaller landscapes.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 25-30 feet
- Width: 25-30 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Hedges, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Coastal to montane forests of the North and South Islands of New Zealand
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Podocarpus totara, Podocarpus totara var. waihoensis, Nageia totara, Podocarpus totara subsp. waihoensis, Podocarpus variegatus,
GBIF Accepted Name: Podocarpus totara G.Benn. ex D.Don