Podocarpus totara (Totara Tree)

Podocarpus totara (Totara Tree) Details

Podocarpus totara, otherwise known as the Tōtara tree, is an iconic, NZ native tree featuring needle-like, green foliage. Trees are either male or female with the female trees having bright red, berry-like fruit in autumn. Male trees do not bear fruit. It grows with a broad and spreading habit to eventually reach 20 m tall and 10 m wide, and can be included in a medium sized garden due to its slow growth rate. Best results with this tree are achieved when it is grown in full sun on a well-drained site. It is tolerant of mild drought, frost, cool climates, some wind, and coastal environments. Podocarpus totara are commonly included in a mixed planting in a large garden, used in native plantings, or grown as a specimen.