Phyllocladus trichomanoides

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, the tanekaha or celery pine, is a coniferous tree endemic to New Zealand.

Tanekaha
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Division: Pinophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Pinales
Family: Podocarpaceae
Genus: Phyllocladus
Species:
P. trichomanoides
Binomial name
Phyllocladus trichomanoides
D.Don

Description

Tanekaha is a medium-sized forest tree growing up to 25 m in height and 1 m trunk diameter.[2] The main structural shoots are green-skinned for 2–3 years, then turn brown as the bark thickens. The leaves are sparse, tiny, scale-like, 2–3 mm long, and only green (photosynthetic) for a short time, soon turning brown.

Most photosynthesis is performed by phylloclades, highly modified, leaf-like short shoots; these are arranged alternately, 10-15 on a shoot, the individual phylloclades rhombic, 1.5-2.5 cm long. The seed cones are berry-like, with a fleshy white aril surrounding but not fully enclosing the single seed.

Distribution

In the North Island this species is found in lowland forests from Te Paki to 40°S.[2] In the South Island this species is found in northern Marlborough and Nelson to 41°30'S.[2]

Economic uses

Like the kauri, tanekaha shed their lower branches, producing smooth straight trunks and knot-free timber which is sought after for its strength.

The bark is rich in tannin, from which Māori extracted a red dye.

References
  1. IUCN (2011-01-28). "Phyllocladus trichomanoides: Farjon, A.: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2013: e.T42269A2968482". doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42269A2968482 (inactive 2021-01-11). Cite journal requires |journal= (help)CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of January 2021 (link)
  2. Eagle, Audrey (2008). Eagle's complete trees and shrubs of New Zealand volume one. Wellington: Te Papa Press. p. 32. ISBN 9780909010089.
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