Phyllocladus toatoa | |
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Scientific classification
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Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Gymnospermae |
Division: | Pinophyta |
Class: | Pinopsida |
Order: | Araucariales |
Family: | Podocarpaceae |
Genus: | Phyllocladus |
Species: | P. toatoa
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Binomial name | |
Phyllocladus toatoa Molloy
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Phyllocladus toatoa, known as toatoa ( Māori) or blue celery pine [2] is a species of conifer in the family Podocarpaceae, endemic to New Zealand. It was formerly referred to as P. glaucus. [3]
Phyllocladus toatoa is a small, dioecious or monoecious, conical or bushy tree that grows to 15 m (49 ft) in height and 60 cm (24 in) in diameter at maturity on average. [2] The outer bark ranges in color from dark brown to a silvery-brown. [3] P. toatoa is distinguishable from other species in the genus Phyllocladus due to its whorled pinnate phylloclades with diamond-shaped segments. [2] Attached to whorled branches are cladodes. [4] P. toatoa flowers between October and December, leading to a fruiting stage between January and March. [5] The fruit is a nut sitting in a cup shaped envelope. [4] Each fruit contains 3-4 3 mm square shaped seeds which are black at maturity. [3] Cultivated mature plants flower annually. [3] The species is wind pollinated by male cones which produce large quantities of pollen. [3] Seeds are black. [6] Mature seeds are dispersed from the cone through swelling of the cone bracts ejecting the seeds to the ground. [3] Distribution is limited, resulting in many seeds landing on the ground under the female tree. [3] Establishment of the species over a large area indicates that P. toatoa is dispersed by wind and birds. [3] P. toatoa is difficult to propagate and is relatively slow growing. [7]
This species is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the North Island. [6]
Phyllocladus toatoa can be found in lowlands and montane forests including the central North Island and northwards. [3] It is considered to be well protected and not considered threatened. [3] Due to its tolerance of infertile soils, it can be found on exposed ridges, around bog margins, and other poorly drained land in New Zealand. [8] The preferred habitat is that of a temperate climate with well-drained, moist soil, where roots are partially shaded and foliage is exposed to sun. [5]