Podocarpus nivalis

Podocarpus nivalis, the mountain or snow totara, is a species of conifer in the family Podocarpaceae. It is endemic to New Zealand.

For other plant species also known as tōtara, see List of plants known as tōtara.

Podocarpus nivalis

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Division: Pinophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Pinales
Family: Podocarpaceae
Genus: Podocarpus
Species:
P. nivalis
Binomial name
Podocarpus nivalis
Hook.[2]

Description

This species is a prostrate shrub with spreading branches.[3] It can also be semi-erect and up to 3m tall.[3] Branches that contact the soil often root.[3] Leaves are thick, rigid and close together. They are arranged spirally, are pointed at the apex and are a brownish green colour when they age.[3]

Distribution

This species is found in the North Island south of Mt Hikurangi and Mt Pirongia and in the South Island.[3]

Cultivation and uses

It is one of the hardiest podocarps of the Southern Hemisphere, it has withstood minus 25 °C (minus 13 °F) in the British Isles, and survives long periods under snow in its native habitat, close to the tree line in NZ's high mountains. It needs high rainfall to grow well.

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gollark: Apparently it was a 1MW pulse laser or something.
gollark: We don't need a repeat of the emu war.
gollark: You can get *mixes* of those if you have two separate lasers and combine the beams, right?
gollark: Maybe if you mix several lasers' beams? But tan is meant to be kind of dark.

References
  1. Farjon, A. (2013). "Podocarpus nivalis". doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42522A2984790.en. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  2. "Podocarpus nivalis Hook". New Zealand Organisms Register. Landcare Research New Zealand. Retrieved 15 January 2016.
  3. Eagle, Audrey (2008). Eagle's complete trees and shrubs of New Zealand volume one. Wellington: Te Papa Press. p. 14. ISBN 9780909010089.

Further reading
  • Allan. H. H. 1961. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer, Wellington.
  • Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981
  • Huxley. A. 1992. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5


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