Podocarpus nivalis
Podocarpus nivalis, the mountain or snow tōtara, is a species of conifer in the family Podocarpaceae. It is endemic to New Zealand.
| Podocarpus nivalis | |
|---|---|
 | |
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.
References
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Podocarpus nivalis. |
- Farjon, A. (2013). "Podocarpus nivalis". doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42522A2984790.en. Cite journal requires
|journal=(help) - "Podocarpus nivalis Hook". New Zealand Organisms Register. Landcare Research New Zealand. Retrieved 15 January 2016.
- 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