Botanical name:

Phyllocladus trichomanoides

Common name(s):

tānekaha, celery pine

About:

Phyllocladus trichomanoides is a pyramidal forest tree with slender, spreading branches that grow in whorls. The seedlings have narrow, flat, needle-like leaves, giving them a unique look. As they grow, they develop flat stem structures called phylloclades, arranged in noticeable whorls. Each phylloclade has two rows of pointed segments that are thinner and less leathery than those of P. toatoa. Small, scale-like leaves grow along the edges of these segments, adding to the tree's complexity. The tree also produces small, fleshy ovule cones for reproduction.

Natural habitat:

Tanekaha is a common tree in northern New Zealand where its often found growing in association with kauri (Agathis australis) on ridge lines. Tanekaha is also common in secondary regrowth forest overlying poorly draining and/or infertile soils. It can be very common in reverting fire-induced gum-land scrub. In the Central North Island tanekaha-dominated forest is locally common overlying ignimbrite rock and this forest type is very much a feature of the northern Taupo - King Country - Atiamuri area where extensive tanekaha-dominated forests are present overlying such high aspect ratio. Further south Tanekaha is rarely such a major component of the forest canopy.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Drought, Shade & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Found from the North Cape south to northern Marlborough and Nelson districts in the South Island, in lowland forest up to 800 m above sea level.

Height: 30m

Flowering: 

September - December with no discernible flower/s

Fruiting:

January - April

Uses:

Riparian plantings, Forests & Timber.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed. Seedlings transplant well and this species is sometimes common in cultivation. It is often grown as a specimen tree in parks and does well in urban areas on street side verges. Once established tanekaha is able to tolerate full light and considerable drought but young plants do better planted in a less exposed site or at least provided with plenty of water during their early stages of establishment.

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