Kahikatea

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides, also known as Kahikatea or White Pine, is a tall evergreen coniferous tree native to New Zealand. Kahikatea grows in native lowland forests and wetlands from the North Island to the South Island. Kahikatea is the tallest native tree species in New Zealand. It can reach over 60 metres in height under optimal conditions. Trees can live over 600 years in the wild. Past timber logging of Kahikatea has reduced large populations to reserves and remote areas. The tree can grow up to 60 meters in height and spread 4 to 7 metres, with a tall, straight trunk and feathery, light green foliage. Kahikatea goes through several stages between juvenile and adult forms, with changes to leaf shape, arrangement, and tree shape. It’s considered a slow-growing tree and can take some time to reach maturity.

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. The tree can tolerate a wide range of soil types but prefers soils with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. The tree is drought-tolerant and can tolerate frost. It prefers partial to full shade but can tolerate full sun if the soil is moist.

It is also vital to ensure that the tree is planted in an area with enough room to grow, as it can reach a height of 60 meters and a spread of 2-3 meters.

When planting, it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-prepared, removing debris and lost rocks and amending the soil with organic matter if necessary. It is also crucial to ensure that the tree is planted at the same depth as in the container and to water it well after planting. This species is scarce in cultivation in Australia.