Also known as Totara Pine
Totara (Podocarpus totara) is a large, coniferous tree native to New Zealand, known for its durable timber and distinctive red-brown bark. It's a resilient evergreen coni
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best growth, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Tolerates a range of temperatures, hardy in temperate climates.
Low
25% intensity
Feed lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer. Not a heavy feeder.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water consistently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, especially during cooler months. Reduce watering frequency in winter.
Deep watering is preferable to frequent shallow watering to encourage strong root development.
Prune to shape the tree, remove dead or diseased branches, or maintain a desired size. It responds well to pruning and can be trained into hedges or topiary.
Best done in late spring or early summer after the main flush of growth.
Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer or autumn. Rooting can be slow. Alternatively, seeds can be sown in autumn, but germination may be erratic. Stratification may improve germination rates.
Young plants benefit from repotting every 1-2 years in spring to refresh the soil and provide more space. Mature trees are generally best left undisturbed in the ground, but if container-grown, repot only when root-bound, using a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Totara (Podocarpus totara)
Where Totara (Podocarpus totara) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Podocarpaceae |
| Genus | Podocarpus |
| Species | Podocarpus totara |
Similar in genus Podocarpus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
