tōtara-kiri-kōtukutuku

Podocarpus laetus | mountain tōtara, Hall’s tōtara, thin-barked tōtara, tōtara-kiri-kōtukutuku

 

Smaller and hardier than the common tōtara, this elegant evergreen boasts distinctive thin, papery bark and longer leaves when young. Perfect for hedging, it flourishes in sunny, well-drained conditions and withstands frost, exposed locations, and coastal environments, though young plants appreciate protection. Its yellow-green catkins, appearing from mid-spring to early summer, are a valuable pollen source for bees. Highly adaptable to diverse soils, including poor and sandy ones, as well as coastal sites, it's a versatile garden choice. Small flowers develop into attractive red berries that entice birds with their nectar throughout spring and summer. This species makes a lovely specimen tree and is also excellent for revegetation projects.

lowland forest

montane forest

subalpine forest

dry

free draining

well drained

moist

full sun

partial shade

height | 20m

width | 7m / 1.25m (trunk)

flowering | (August)–October–(December)

fruiting |  Fruits take a year or so to ripen, They are most frequently seen between April and May.

Mountain tōtara (P. laetus) differs from the common lowland tōtara by its thinner bark, longer leaves when young, and its prevalence at higher elevations.