Botanical name:

Phyllocladus alpinus

Common name(s):

Mountain toatoa, mountain celery pine

About:

A very slow-growing tree that typically reaches heights of 3 to 4m when cultivated. Its natural distribution range extends from lowland regions to low-alpine areas, primarily from Cape Colville in the north, extending southward. The phylloclades of this tree are characterised by being very small and narrow, with an irregularly lobed shape that feels somewhat leathery to the touch. Interestingly, male and female cones are borne separately on the same tree; the small male cones exhibit a striking red color, creating an attractive contrast against the surrounding green foliage. This tree exhibits a good, dense growth habit, adding to its overall appeal.

Natural habitat:

Mostly subalpine to low alpine but also present at times at lower altitudes (200 m a.s.l. or less) on impoverished soils, especially in frost flats and other similar natural temperature inversion sites.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North and South Islands. In the North Island present from the Kaingaroa Plain, Whirinaki and Pureora (and frost flats nearby) south through the Central Volcanic Plateau, and main axial ranges. In the South Island - throughout.

Height: 6m

Flowering: 

October - December with no discernible flower/s

Fruiting:

January – June

Uses:

Bird food/attractant, Riparian plantings, Forests & Timber.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and - with some difficulty - by hard wood cuttings. As a rule rather slow growing and suited for cultivation in warm climates. Often very slow growing though once established it forms a beautiful small tree. Some selection of wild forms is needed as leaf colours from dark green to plants that richly coloured blue-grey (this is retained in cultivation).

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