Botanical name:

Podocarpus acutifolius

Common name(s):

Westland tōtara, needle-leaved tōtara

About:

A small tree typically growing to a height of around 4-5 meters when cultivated under appropriate conditions, this tree features sharply pointed, needle-like foliage that adds a distinctive character. It is naturally found thriving from the Marlborough Sounds all the way to the rugged landscapes of southern Westland and has shown remarkable resilience, allowing it to grow successfully in a variety of environments. P. acutifolius can easily be clipped and shaped to maintain a bushy appearance, making it an excellent choice as a hedging plant for landscaping purposes.

Natural habitat:

Lowland to montane along river flats, in forest or open shrub-land and grassland. Often forming dense thickets along active and passive river channels.

Growing environment:

Sun, Drought, Salt, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s South Island. Mostly westerly from the Buller River and adjoining tributaries, west and south to Martins Bay.

Height: 15m

Flowering:

September – November with no discernible flowers

Fruiting:

December - June

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Hedging, Riparian plantings, Shade trees, forests, timber & Shelter belts

How to grow:

Easily grown from hardwood cuttings and fresh seed. Does well in full sun in a well drained, moist fertile soil. Podocarpus acutifolius is moderately fast growing due to its compact, upright branching growth habit makes an excellent hedge. The species is rather variable ranging from large shrubs to small trees and there does seem to be some genetic basis for this. The most commonly cultivated form of it (at least in the North Island) makes a densely branched shrub up to 4 m tall and 2 m wide. Although reasonably drought tolerant, P. acutifolius does best in a damp soil, and is an excellent shrub to plant along waterways in urban areas. When planted in mass its fine sharp needles serve as an almost unequalled deterrent to animals and unwanted “visitors”.

** 4 – 6 weeks cold stratification is required