Tōtara

Scientific name

Podocarpus Tōtara

Physical Features

Height - 30m

Width - 2m

Description - looks rough with dark bark

Location - Top of the South Island and North Island) 

Uses

Europeans used Tōtara to build houses and other items, like fences and railway tracks. Māori used Tōtara for waka that could fit 100 warriors.

Planting

After Autumn ends when the soil is mushy and warm.

Purakau

The Tōtara is known to be a sign of strength - often fabled as being the best, most intelligent and good looking of all trees.