|
|
Totara; name, background
 The Totara tree, or Podocarpus totara
(tōtara) ,is a species of podocarp endemic to New
Zealand. It grows throughout the North Island and northeastern
South Island in lowland, montane and lower subalpine forest at 0-600 m elevation.
The
Totara is a medium to large tree which grows slowly to around 20 to 25 m, exceptionally to 35 m; it is noted for its longevity
and the great girth of its trunk. The bark peels off in papery flakes, with a purplish to golden brown hue. The sharp, dull
green needle-like leaves are stiff and leathery, 2 cm long. This plant produces highly modified cones with 2 to 4 fused, fleshy
berry-like juicy scales, bright red when mature. The cone contains one or two rounded seeds at the apex of the scales. The
wood is hard and straight-grained and very resistant to rot. Due to its durability, tōtara wood was often used for fence
posts, floor pilings and railway sleepers. It is also prized for its carving properties, and was the primary wood used in
Māori carving. Close to Oamaru, on State Highway 1, you will find Totara Estate, a historic farm from which in 1882 the first shipment of frozen meat to
Britain was sent. It is now part of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.
|