Dacrycarpus dacrydioides aka New Zealand Dacryberry

Taxonomy

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides, also known as kahikatea or white pine, is a coniferous tree that is endemic to New Zealand. It is a podocarp and can reach heights of up to 60 meters, making it the tallest tree in New Zealand. The tree has a life span of around 600 years and is dominant in lowland forests and wetlands throughout the North and South Islands. The leaves are spirally arranged, and the cones are highly modified with the scales swelling at maturity into an orange to red, fleshy, aril with a single apical seed. The seeds are dispersed by birds that eat the fleshy scales and pass the seeds in their droppings. In Māori culture, kahikatea is an important source of timber for building waka and making tools, of food in the form of its berries, and of dye. Before extensive logging, trees of 80 meters height were known. The tree was previously referred to as "white pine," but the Māori name kahikatea is now more widely used. Kahikatea seeds have fleshy structures called receptacles attached to them, which encourage birds such as kererū and tūī to eat them and disperse the seeds. The water storage ability of these structures may also protect the seeds from drying out. The tree supports many smaller plants in its own branches, which are called epiphytes; 100 different species have been recorded on one tree alone. Although the tree's use for timber and its damp fertile habitat, ideal for dairy farming, have led to its decimation almost everywhere except South Westland, there are still small stands of natural kahikatea in the Waikato region. Kahikatea is also a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and moderate sunlight to thrive. It should be less than 6 feet from a window.

Common names

New Zealand Dacryberry, Kahika, Kahikatea

How to care for New Zealand Dacryberry

Difficulty

New Zealand Dacryberry requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

New Zealand Dacryberry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the New Zealand Dacryberry prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Region of origin

New Zealand Dacryberry’s native range is New Zealand.


More info:
Wikipedia