kawaka
about.
Libocedrus plumosa | kawaka, New Zealand cedar
A slow-growing hardy conifer often cultivated as a specimen tree. It develops a pyramidal form with green, fern-like foliage and stringy bark. Endemic to both the North and South Islands, it's often found alongside Kauri in coastal to lowland mixed broadleaf/hardwood forests. Its slow growth makes it suitable for medium-sized gardens and container cultivation. This conifer maintains its attractive pyramidal shape as it matures, showcasing dark green, compressed, and flattened leaves that create a feathery appearance.
typical habitat.
coastal forest
lowland forest
drainage.
free draining
well drained
moist
sun.
full sun
partial shade
mature specifications.
height | 25m
width | 1m (trunk) /10m
pollinators calendar.
flowering | July–September
fruiting | July–June
did you know?
Unique among New Zealand conifers, it has small seed cones composed of a few thin, woody scales, with male and female cones appearing on the same tree tips the female cones split open when ripe to release two wind-dispersed winged seeds.