Botanical name:

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides 

Common name(s):

Kahikatea, white pine

About:

Kahikatea is recognised as New Zealand’s tallest indigenous tree, growing to impressive heights of upwards of 50m. These magnificent coniferous trees showcase handsome mature foliage that creates a visually striking canopy, as well as attractive buttressed roots that provide stability, and orange/red seeds that naturally attract a variety of birds. The white, odourless timber was used extensively to manufacture butter boxes during much of the late 1800s and early 1900s, leading to its widespread popularity. Unfortunately, it was that practice which all but eliminated the kahikatea-dominated swamp forest from the North Island and northern parts of the South Island, significantly impacting the ecosystem.

Natural habitat:

Lowland forest, formerly dominant on frequently flooded, and/or poorly drained alluvial soils. Occasionally extends into lower montane forest. Once the dominant tree of a distinct swamp forest type, unfortunately all but extinct in the North Island - the best examples remain on the West Coast of the South Island.

Growing environment:

Salt, Wetland, Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North, South and Stewart Islands

Height: 50-65m

Flowering:

October – January with no discernible flowers.

Fruiting:

February – April

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Forests.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed. Can be grown from hard-wood cuttings but rather slow to strike.

**The seeds are perishable and cannot be dry stored. After collection & cleaning they should be placed in cold storage.