High Quality Podocarpus Trees For Sale

New Zealand’s Best Totara Trees

Growing NZ natives in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They attract birds and bees
• It helps to preserve New Zealand’s species
• Greater biodiversity is created
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We’ll help you find the right Totara for your space. Choose from a wide variety of New Zealand-native plants that have been eco-sourced and bred to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Podocarpus, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Podocarpus

1. Is Podocarpus native to NZ?

Podocarpus is native to New Zealand. Of the five species that are native to New Zealand, they are all evergreen trees or shrubs. The most common species is the tōtara (Podocarpus totara), which is a large tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. Other native species include the Hall's totara (Podocarpus hallii), the kaikawaka (Podocarpus lamarckii), the mountain totara (Podocarpus nivalis), and the silver totara (Podocarpus cunninghamii).

2. Which Podocarpus makes the best hedge?

The best Podocarpus for making a hedge is Podocarpus gracilior, also known as the African fern pine. It's a versatile shrub that can be shaped into a variety of forms, including formal hedges, informal screens, and topiaries. It's also relatively low-maintenance, making it a good choice for busy gardeners.

Here are some of the reasons why Podocarpus gracilior is a good choice for hedges:

• It has soft, green needles that are attractive and easy to maintain.
• It's a fast grower, so you can create a hedge quickly.
• It's tolerant of a wide range of soils and conditions.
• It's relatively resistant to pests and diseases.

If you're looking for a Podocarpus that can make a beautiful and long-lasting hedge, Podocarpus gracilior is a great option.

3. Where is the best place to plant Podocarpus?

The best place to plant a Podocarpus depends on the specific species, as each has its own unique preferences. Here are some general guidelines for planting Podocarpus trees and shrubs:

• Sunlight: Most Podocarpus species prefer full sun or partial shade. However, some species, such as the mountain totara (Podocarpus nivalis), can tolerate full shade.
• Soil: Podocarpus trees and shrubs prefer well-drained, acidic soil. They can tolerate a range of soil types, but they will not thrive in heavy, clay soils or soils that are too wet or too dry.
• Climate: Podocarpus trees and shrubs are generally hardy, however, some species, such as Podocarpus totara, are more frost hardy than others and can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F).
• Wind: Podocarpus trees and shrubs are generally wind tolerant. However, they may need to be protected from strong winds in exposed locations.
• Spacing: Podocarpus trees and shrubs can be planted relatively close together. However, they will need to be thinned periodically to prevent overcrowding.

4. Is Podocarpus the same as Japanese yew?

Podocarpus and Japanese yew are both members of the conifer family, Pinaceae. However, they are two distinct genera with different characteristics.

Podocarpus is a genus of about 100 species of evergreen trees and shrubs native to the Southern Hemisphere. They are typically found in temperate and subtropical regions, with some species extending into tropical areas. Podocarpus trees are known for their attractive foliage, which can be either needle-like or scale-like. They are also relatively fast-growing and can tolerate a wide range of soil and climate conditions.

Japanese yew, or Taxus cuspidata, is a species of evergreen conifer native to Japan, Korea, and northeastern China. It is a popular ornamental tree in many parts of the world, valued for its pyramidal shape, soft texture, and tolerance for shade. Japanese yews are typically slow-growing and can live for hundreds of years.

5. What is the nickname for Podocarpus?

Podocarpus has many nicknames depending on the region or species. Here are some of the most common nicknames for Podocarpus:

• Totara: This is the most common nickname for Podocarpus in New Zealand. It is derived from the Māori language, where "totara" refers to the Podocarpus totara species.
• Plum pine: This nickname is used for some Podocarpus species that have plum-shaped fruits.
• Vegetable ivory: This nickname is used for Podocarpus species that have hard, white seeds that can be carved into ornaments.
• Yellow wood: This nickname is used for Podocarpus species that have yellow wood.
• Brown pine: This nickname is used for Podocarpus species that have brown wood.
• African holly: This nickname is used for Podocarpus milanjianus, which is found in Africa.
• Māori pine: This nickname is used for Podocarpus totara and Podocarpus hallii, which are both found in New Zealand.
• Southern yew: This nickname is used for some Podocarpus species that are found in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Chinese yew: This nickname is used for Podocarpus macrophyllus, which is found in China.
• Japanese yew: This nickname is used for Podocarpus brevibrachylatus, which is found in Japan.

In addition to these nicknames, Podocarpus is also sometimes called by its scientific name or by the common name "conifer."

6. Is Podocarpus native to Australia?

there are several species of Podocarpus native to Australia. The most common species are:

• Podocarpus elatus, also known as the plum pine, the brown pine, the Illawarra plum, or the Queensland Christmas tree, is a tall tree found in eastern New South Wales and eastern Queensland.
• Podocarpus lawrencei, also known as the mountain plum pine, is a shrubby tree found in the alpine regions of southeastern Australia, including Tasmania.
• Podocarpus drouynianus, also known as the emu berry, the wild plum, or the native plum, is a shrub or small tree found in the southwestern corner of Western Australia.
• Podocarpus spinulosus, also known as the spiny-leaved podocarp, is a shrub or small tree found in the northeastern corner of Queensland.

These species are all found in rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest habitats. They are an important part of the Australian flora and provide habitat for a variety of wildlife.

7. What does the Podocarpus symbolize?

odocarpus trees have a long history of symbolic meaning in various cultures. They are often associated with strength, longevity, wisdom, and spirituality.

Strength and Longevity: Podocarpus trees are known for their durability and resilience. They can withstand harsh weather conditions and live for hundreds of years. This makes them a symbol of strength, endurance, and the ability to overcome adversity.

Wisdom and Spirituality: Podocarpus trees are also associated with wisdom and spirituality. Their slow and steady growth is seen as a reminder of the importance of patience and perseverance. Additionally, their evergreen foliage is seen as a symbol of immortality and the eternal spirit.

In New Zealand, Podocarpus trees are considered sacred by the Māori people. They are known as "totara" and are associated with chiefs and leadership. Totara trees are used for carving and woodworking, and their timber is highly valued.

In Japan, Podocarpus trees are known as "yamamomiji" and are associated with autumn and the changing seasons. They are also seen as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

Overall, Podocarpus trees are seen as symbols of strength, longevity, wisdom, and spirituality. They are valued for their beauty, resilience, and cultural significance.

8. What is the difference between Afrocarpus and Podocarpus?

Afrocarpus and Podocarpus are both coniferous trees that belong to the Taxaceae family, but they have a number of important differences.

Distribution

• Afrocarpus: Native to tropical and subtropical Africa.
• Podocarpus: Widely distributed in the Southern Hemisphere, with species found in Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa, and Asia.

Foliage

• Afrocarpus: Leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern on the twigs and are typically scale-like or narrowly lanceolate.
• Podocarpus: Leaves are arranged in opposite or whorled pairs on the twigs and can be either needle-like or scale-like.

Fruit

• Afrocarpus: Fruits are drupes, with a fleshy outer layer and a single hard seed.
• Podocarpus: Fruits are berries, with a fleshy outer layer and one to four seeds.

Growth habit

• Afrocarpus: Typically tall trees, sometimes exceeding 50 meters in height.
• Podocarpus: Can range in size from shrubs to tall trees, with some species reaching heights of 40 meters or more.

Uses

• Afrocarpus: Timber is used for construction, furniture, and other purposes.
• Podocarpus: Timber is used for a variety of purposes, including construction, furniture, and carving. Some species are also grown as ornamental trees.