Contents
Description
Dacrycarpus Dacrydioides, commonly known as Kahikatea, is a coniferous evergreen tree native to New Zealand. It is a slow-growing tree that can reach up to 60 meters in height, with a straight trunk and a narrow crown. The bark is smooth and gray when young, turning brown and deeply fissured with age. It produces small cones that are about 1 cm long and contain seeds with a fleshy aril.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Podocarpaceae |
| Genus | Dacrycarpus |
Appearance
Kahikatea has a narrow, conical crown and a straight trunk that can reach up to 60 meters in height. The bark is smooth and gray when young, turning brown and deeply fissured with age. The leaves are linear and about 1 cm long, with a glossy green color. The cones are small, about 1 cm long, and contain seeds with a fleshy aril.
Care Guide
Kahikatea prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It requires regular watering, especially during dry periods, and benefits from fertilization in the spring. It is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Kahikatea is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Common pests include scale insects, aphids, and spider mites. Common diseases include root rot, canker, and needle blight.
Habitat
Kahikatea is native to New Zealand and grows in lowland forests and wetlands. It is an important species in these ecosystems, providing habitat and food for a variety of native species.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Kahikatea tolerate full sun?
A: Kahikatea prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun if the soil is moist.
Q: How often should I water my Kahikatea?
A: Kahikatea requires regular watering, especially during dry periods.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Kahikatea?
A: Kahikatea is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Q: What is the average lifespan of Kahikatea?
A: Kahikatea can live up to 1000 years in the wild.
Related Plants
- Dacrycarpus dacrydioides ‘Aurea’
- Dacrycarpus dacrydioides ‘Pendula’
- Dacrycarpus cupressinum
- Dacrydium cupressinum
References
- “Dacrycarpus dacrydioides.” Floridata. Accessed 25 June 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/358.
- “Dacrycarpus dacrydioides.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 25 June 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279918.
- “Dacrycarpus dacrydioides.” New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. Accessed 25 June 2021. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/dacrycarpus-dacrydioides/.
