Tōtara

Trees are 130cm - 180cm tall

12L Root pouch

DESCRIPTION

Podocarpus totara / Tōtara is a slow growing conifer native to Aotearoa.

In its early stages, the tōtara is bushy, but older trees become more open.

Tōtara can grow 25-30 metres in height and have a straight trunk with evergreen foliage. It has needle-like leaves that spiral along the branches and produces small flowers with fruit.

ECOLOGICAL ROLE

Tōtara's large size and dense foliage provides shelter and habitat to many native bird species. The fruit is also a food source for these birds. 

INTERESTING FACTS

• Tōtara trees can live past 1,000 years old.

• The wood was prized for whare, carvings and building waka.

SITE SELECTION

Totara will grow best on well-sheltered sites with free-draining soils, but it can survive on dry, stony and exposed sites. It grows well in open sites (without shade), and can be established in gaps in regenerating scrub. If planted under a canopy, it will survive but only grow slowly and in dense shade it will eventually die.

Tōtara do not do well in wet sites though they are a great choice for erodible hillslopes and dry banks.