Botanical name:

Halocarpus biformis

Common name(s):

Pink pine, yellow pine, alpine tar wood

About:

Found in rich soils that span from the Central Plateau all the way to Stewart Island, this conifer typically thrives at elevations of up to 1400 m. In a garden setting, it grows slowly and can reach heights of 3 to 4 m, characterised by a rounded and graceful shape. The needle-like juvenile foliage and the adult scale-like leaves can often appear simultaneously on the same branches, frequently showcasing a distinctive tinge of red at the tips. While it adds unique beauty to landscapes, it can be temperamental in humid areas. Therefore, a deep and consistently moist soil is the ideal environment for its optimal growth and health.

Natural habitat: 

Typically found on low fertility, poorly drained sites in high rainfall areas. On more fertile sites it tends to only grow into a small tree.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Wetland & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

It is found at higher elevations in the volcanic plateau of the North Island and at lower elevations of the South Island and Stewart Island.

Height: 4m though has been known to reach up to 10m.

Flowering:  

Irregular 

Fruiting:

Irregular & take 12 months to reach maturity 

Uses: 

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings, Forests & Timber

How to grow:

Generally propagated by seed but cuttings can also be taken. Can be quite slow growing at approx 2m in 10 years.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though