pāhautea

Libocedrus bidwillii | pāhautea, kaikawaka, New Zealand cedar

 

An endemic evergreen conifer with a distinctive upright, pyramidal shape and bright green, scale-like leaves. Found at higher altitudes this tree thrives in deep, moist, fertile, and well-mulched soil, making it an excellent specimen tree, particularly in cooler climates as it dislikes drought and humidity. A handsome conifer, typically growing to 6m wide with dense, dark green foliage and small autumn cones, is ideal as a garden specimen, in woodland plantings, or for native regeneration projects.

montane forest

subalpine forest

subalpine scrub

well drained

full sun

partial shade

height | 28m

width | 1m (trunk) / 6m

flowering | August–November

fruiting | August–July

One of only two native New Zealand cedars, pāhautea's closest relatives are found in New Caledonia. It also shares a connection with the well-known Californian macrocarpa, both exhibiting tiny, scale-like leaves arranged in a whipcord pattern.