Botanical name:

Podocarpus lataus (Podocarpus halli)

Common name(s):

Mountain tōtara, Hall’s tōtara, thin-barked tōtara, tōtara-kiri-kōtukutuku

About:

Podocarpus lataus is a tall, slow-growing species of conifer that can reach an impressive maximum height of 20m and exhibit a trunk that can be up to 1.25m in diameter. Trees like the thin-bark totara (Podocarpus lataus) gradually diminish in stature over time until they start to intermingle with the surrounding subalpine scrub. This species is also closely related to Podocarpus totara but can be distinguished from it by its unique characteristics, which include thin, flaky, and paper-like bark, as well as longer juvenile leaves that add to its distinctive appearance.

Natural habitat:

Lowland, montane to lower subalpine forest but notably more common in montane forest from 750 – 1100m. Often found on impoverished soils, immature (skeletal) soils, or sites that are naturally stressed by drought or extreme temperature fluctuations.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Drought, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North, South and Stewart Islands of New Zealand

Height: 20m

Flowering:   

(August-) October (-December) with no discernible flower/s

Fruiting:

Fruits take a year or so to ripen, and may be found throughout the year, usually peaking at about the same time that cones are produced. They are most frequently seen between April and May.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Hedging, Forests, Shelter belts & Timber

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and hard-wood cuttings.

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