Tanekaha

<i>Phyllocladus trichomanoides</i>

Phyllocladus trichomanoides

Species of conifer

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, the tānekaha or celery pine, is a coniferous tree endemic to New Zealand.

Quick Facts Tanekaha, Conservation status ...

Description

Tānekaha is a medium-sized forest tree growing up to 25 m in height and 1 m trunk diameter.[2] The main structural shoots are green-skinned for 2–3 years, then turn brown as the bark thickens. The leaves are sparse, tiny, scale-like, 2–3 mm long, and only green (photosynthetic) for a short time, soon turning brown.

Most photosynthesis is performed by phylloclades, highly modified, leaf-like short shoots; these are arranged alternately, 10-15 on a shoot, the individual phylloclades rhombic, 1.5-2.5 cm long. The seed cones are berry-like, with a fleshy white aril surrounding but not fully enclosing the single seed.

Distribution

In the North Island this species is found in lowland forests from Te Paki to 40°S.[2] In the South Island this species is found in northern Marlborough and Nelson to 41°30'S.[2]

Pests and diseases

This species plays host to the New Zealand endemic beetle Agapanthida morosa.[3]

Economic uses

Like the kauri, tānekaha shed their lower branches, producing smooth straight trunks and knot-free timber which is sought after for its strength.

The bark is rich in tannin, from which Māori extracted a red dye.

References

  1. [1]
    "Phyllocladus trichomanoides D.Don". GBIF. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  2. [2]
    Eagle, Audrey (2008). Eagle's complete trees and shrubs of New Zealand volume one. Wellington: Te Papa Press. p. 32. ISBN 9780909010089.
  3. [3]
    Stephanie L. Sopow; John Bain (14 September 2017). "A checklist of New Zealand Cerambycidae (Insecta: Coleoptera), excluding Lamiinae" (PDF). New Zealand Entomologist. 40 (2): 55–71. doi:10.1080/00779962.2017.1357423. ISSN 0077-9962. Wikidata Q56166058.
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