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Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai Tree, Black Pine)

Matai, Black Pine

Prumnopitys taxifolia, commonly known as Matai or Black Pine, is a stately, NZ native tree with quite different juvenile and adult forms. The juvenile form has orange branches held with a tangled appearance and silver-coloured foliage. The tree eventually develops dense, yellow-green foliage and distinctive hammer mark patterns on the trunk. It typically grows to 10 m tall and 6 m wide in 10 years, but will eventually reach 25-30 m tall after several more decades. The different forms make Prumnopitys taxifolia both an unusual and attractive plant that is ideal for including in a mixed planting in a large garden or for using in a native revegetation project.

Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) juvenile tree growing as a specimen in a park.
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Black Pine) large trunk showing mottled bark.
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) mature tree with lush foliage.

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Suited to regions:All regions
Plant type:Trees
Height:25.00 m
Spread:6.00 m
Flowering time:
Tolerances:Hardy
Garden uses:Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles:Alpine, Forestry, Native
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known asMatai, Black Pine
Sku10219

What are the landscaping uses for Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) in NZ?

Matai is a long-lived, native NZ conifer ideal for large gardens, lifestyle blocks, and native restoration projects. It can be used as a specimen tree for its handsome, dark green foliage and tidy form or incorporated into mixed native plantings. Its dense canopy provides excellent shelter and habitat for native wildlife. Matai is also suitable for public parks and rural landscaping, especially where a hardy, low-maintenance, and culturally significant native tree is desired.

Prumnopitys taxifolia tree spacing

Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) trees should be spaced 3–5 metres apart for shelterbelts or forestry planting. For landscaping or specimen planting, allow 6–8 metres between trees to accommodate their mature spread. In revegetation projects, a tighter spacing of 2.5–4 metres promotes canopy closure and weed suppression.

What height does the Prumnopitys taxifolia tree grow to?

Prumnopitys taxifolia trees will grow to an eventual height of about 25 metres. In warmer climates, it will reach this height much quicker than in cooler and more exposed sites. Watering and maintaining fertility levels will also influence the time it takes to reach this height, although this will take decades to achieve.

What is the Prumnopitys taxifolia growth rate?

The growth rate of Prumnopitys taxifolia depends on its position and the level of care it receives. In a warm climate with good growing conditions, it will grow to 10 m tall and 5 m wide in about 10 years. Where anything impedes the growth, such as drought, wind exposure, or cold climates, it will grow at a slower rate. Overall, the growth rate is considered slow-medium relative to other NZ native plants.

Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) trees for sale in NZ

The Plant Company has the best Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) trees for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants, and our logistics team packs them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive, and the quality is exceptional. Let us take care of your tree and plant needs, and impress you with both our products and services!

What are the best growing conditions for Prumnopitys taxifolia (Black Pine) In NZ?

Prumnopitys taxifolia (Black Pine) grows best in NZ when planted in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained site. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of good drainage as plants can become diseased and die if drainage is poor, they are waterlogged, or both. It will tolerate coastal environments, some wind, and frost once established.

Why Buy Matai trees from The Plant Company

The Plant Company offers premium-quality Matai trees (Prumnopitys taxifolia) that are healthy, strong, and that will cope with NZ's climate. Our trees are ideal for native restoration projects, large landscapes, and biodiversity plantings. By choosing The Plant Company, you gain access to expert advice, fast delivery across New Zealand, and trusted service from a leading native plant nursery. We make it easy to grow durable, long-lived native trees with confidence.

Questions and Answers

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