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| Category: Tree |
| Family: Podocarpaceae (Podocarps) |
| Origin: New Zealand (Australasia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Insignificant |
| Bloomtime: Not Significant |
| Height: 20-30 feet |
| Width: 20-30 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F |
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Podocarpus totara (Totara) - Evergreen tree that grows to 100 feet in its native New Zealand, but in most gardens it grows 25-30 feet tall. It is a spreading tree with that can live for many centuries. With age the thick deeply furrowed trunk becomes massive with the attractive bark peeling off in flakes. The gray-green leaves have a leathery texture and pointed ends but are not sharp to the touch. Plant in sun and water regularly. Hardy to at least 15 degrees F, it has been planted in the UK as far north as Inverewe, Scotland. This tree grows naturally in lowland, montane and lower subalpine forests below 2,000 feet throughout the North Island of New Zealand and in the northeastern area of the South Island where the hard straight-grained wood that is very resistant to rot has been used for many purposes including fence posts, building supports and railroad ties and has long been used by the Maori people for wood carvings. We have several beautiful specimens of this species in Santa Barbara and there is an attractive group of them near the rose garden at the Huntington Gardens. The name for the genus is derived from Greek words 'podo' meaning "foot" or "footed" and 'karpos' which means "fruit" in reference to the fleshy stalk or receptacle that holds the seed. This is lacking on some plants previously included in this genus and these plants have been transferred to the new genus Afrocarpus.
This description of this plant is based on our research and our observations of it growing at the nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens. We always appreciate receiving feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or have additional cultural tips that would aid others growing Podocarpus totara .
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