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Back to NZ Native Plants
More Native Plant Profiles
Forest Trees
There are a number of tall forest natives that are valuable additions to the garden, whether it be coastal, a city section of a large country space. Many of these trees are slow growing and can be accomodated in a reasonably sized garden. Wonderful contrasts of texture, form and colour are possible.
Nothofagus, Native Beech
Nothofagus fusca, Red Beech (above)
Nothofagus menziesii, Silver Beech (below)
Vast areas of southern forest comprise the native beech trees, N. fusca the red beech, is found from the coast to around 1000m throughout the lower North Island and South Island. A tall forest tree it reaches about 30m (100ft) in its native habitat but less, perhaps 10-15m (30-45ft) in gardens. The leaves are larger than those of the similar N. Menziesii, Silver Beech, are a reddish when fallen on the ground. Silver beech also has silvery-grey bark. Both will form a round-headed tree in cultivation, but are tall and more upright in the forest. A dense root mass stifles undergrowth, making underplanting difficult in gardens but reducing competition for moisture and nutrients in a forest situation.
Cultivation Good, free-draining soils with a cool root run. Protect from strong winds. Prefers cooler climates.
Propagation Seed and cuttings
Nothofagus menziesii, Silver Beech
Podocarpus totora, 'Totora'
A forest tree, totora can be seen scattered across hillsides, remnants of the forests that once covered much of New Zealand's farmland. Initially low growing, it will put on height once established and, in cultivation, normally reach between 5 - 10 metres; in the forest it grows to 30m. Totora makes excellent shelter and an attractive specimen tree.
The leaves are needle-like and a deep olive-green, new growth can be a bright green. While it comes from the forest, totora is tolerant of drier climates once established.
Cultivation Most soils. Keep moist until well established when it will tolerate quite dry periods.
Propagation Seed and cuttings
Prumnopitys ferruginea, Miro, Black Pine
Found throughout New Zealand, miro tolerates drier conditions than many of the larger forest trees. Eventually 25m (75ft) in the wild it grows slowly to around 10m (30ft) in gardens. Large red fruit are ore showy than the small flowers, and much loved by kereru. Foliage is dark green and scaly and the bark rough and grey.
Cultivation Good soils and some shade when young, prefers a moist situation.
Propagation Seed
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Dacrydium cupressinium, Rimu, Red Pine
The fresh green of the drooping foliage on juvenile rimu (shown here) gives way to short, dull green needle-like leaves on a tall branching tree that stands clear of smaller lowland forest trees. Mature rimu form an important part of the forest canopy and can reach 40m (125ft). In cultivation this extremely slow growing tree will suit many gardens.
Cultivation Moist, good soils with shade and shelter for young trees. Foliage can become brown in dry situation, but will 'green' again with moisture.
Propagation Seed
Agathis australis, 'Kauri'
(Juvenile form)
Kauri, one of New Zealand's tallest trees, are a symbol to all New Zealanders and the forest giants in forest remnants are national treasures. Naturally occurring only in the northern areas of New Zealand, from the Bay of Plenty upwards, it will grow in cooler climates if given protection when young. A very slow growing tree, it can be grown in most gardens - the pyramidal juvenile form shown above will last for a mere 50 years.
The leaves are narrow and tough, with new foliage often being a bronze colour.
Cultivation A rich moist soil and protection from strong winds. Frost tender especially when young.
Propagation Seed
Bronze new growth on young Kauri
Dacrycarpus dacrydioides, Kahikatea, White Pine
New Zealand's tallest native tree, topping out at an impressive 65m (200ft). Drooping bronzy foliage on juvenile trees gives way to dark green, scale-like leaves on a branched tree that stands well clear of other forest trees. A swamp dweller it prefers moist situations.
Cultivation Shelter from strong winds when young and moist, even wet, soils.
Propagation Seed, cuttings
Librocedrus bidwillii, Pahautea, New Zealand cedar
A slender upright tree that develops into a broad-headed form as it reaches the forest canopy. Dark green leaves are attractively arranged. In cultivation is will grow slowly to around 3m (9ft) after ten years, in the wild mature trees attain 20m (60ft).
Cultivation Most moist soils and semi-shade when young, extremely cold hardy. In warmer, wet climates will need free-draining soil.
Propagation Seed
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