Botanical name:

Libocedrus bidwillii

Common name(s):

Pāhautea, kaikawaka, New Zealand cedar

About:

This tree can be found in wet forest regions from Te Aroha southward, thriving at elevations between 250 to 1200 m. Its growth is slow, and it maintains a slender form for many years, ultimately reaching heights of over 20 m in its natural habitat, though in cultivated settings it may only reach 2-4 m after a decade. The mature foliage is dark green, compact, and scale-like, while the juvenile leaves are more open. The bark is thin and peels away in long strips. Pahautea serves as an excellent specimen tree suitable for various gardens. It is notably cold hardy and can thrive in reasonably well-drained soil. Young trees benefit from partial shade and sufficient moisture during dry periods, but care should be taken to avoid over-watering in humid conditions.

Natural habitat:

Montane to subalpine (250-1200m) but exclusively upper montane in northern part of range. Usually in mixed cloud forest, often at the margins where forest grades into subalpine scrub or wetlands. This species seems to prefer regions of moderate to high rainfall and long periods of cloud cover.

Growing environment:

Frost, Shade, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North and South Islands. In the North from Te Moehau, Te Aroha and Mt Pirongia south

Height: 20m +

Flowering: 

August - November with no flower/s

Fruiting:

August - July

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed. Can be grown from hard wood cuttings but these are often slow to take and results variable. Does best in a deep, well mulched, moist, fertile soil. Makes an excellent specimen tree. Libocedrus bidwillii is however, better suited to cooler climates. It does not like drought or humidity.

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