Phyllocladus toatoa

Phyllocladus toatoa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Gymnospermae
Division: Pinophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Araucariales
Family: Podocarpaceae
Genus: Phyllocladus
Species:
P. toatoa
Binomial name
Phyllocladus toatoa
Molloy

Phyllocladus toatoa, known as toatoa (Māori) or blue celery pine[2] is a species of conifer in the family Podocarpaceae, endemic to New Zealand. It was formerly referred to as P. glaucus.[3]

Botanical description

Phyllocladus toatoa is a small, dioecious or monoecious, conical or bushy tree that grows to 15 m (49 ft) in height and 60 cm (24 in) in diameter at maturity on average.[2] The outer bark ranges in color from dark brown to a silvery-brown.[3] P. toatoa is distinguishable from other species in the genus Phyllocladus due to its whorled pinnate phylloclades with diamond-shaped segments.[2] Attached to whorled branches are cladodes.[4] P. toatoa flowers between October and December, leading to a fruiting stage between January and March.[5] The fruit is a nut sitting in a cup shaped envelope.[4] Each fruit contains 3-4 3 mm square shaped seeds which are black at maturity.[3] Cultivated mature plants flower annually.[3] The species is wind pollinated by male cones which produce large quantities of pollen.[3] Seeds are black.[6] Mature seeds are dispersed from the cone through swelling of the cone bracts ejecting the seeds to the ground.[3] Distribution is limited, resulting in many seeds landing on the ground under the female tree.[3] Establishment of the species over a large area indicates that P. toatoa is dispersed by wind and birds.[3] P. toatoa is difficult to propagate and is relatively slow growing.[7]

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand and is found in the North Island.[6]

Range and habitat

Phyllocladus toatoa can be found in lowlands and montane forests including the central North Island and northwards.[3] It is considered to be well protected and not considered threatened.[3] Due to its tolerance of infertile soils, it can be found on exposed ridges, around bog margins, and other poorly drained land in New Zealand.[8] The preferred habitat is that of a temperate climate with well-drained, moist soil, where roots are partially shaded and foliage is exposed to sun.[5]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Phyllocladus toatoa.
  1. ^ Farjon, A. (2013). "Phyllocladus toatoa". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T42268A2968438. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42268A2968438.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Earle, Christopher J. "Phyllocladus toatoa Molloy 1996". Retrieved 21 March 2012. [dead link‍]
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Molloy, B. P. J. (31 January 2012). "A new species name in Phyllocladus". New Zealand Journal of Botany. 34 (3): 287–297. doi:10.1080/0028825X.1996.10410695.
  4. ^ a b "Phyllocladaceae". Retrieved 21 March 2012.
  5. ^ a b "NZ Plant Conservation Network". New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. Retrieved 21 March 2012.
  6. ^ a b Eagle, Audrey (2008). Eagle's complete trees and shrubs of New Zealand volume one. Wellington: Te Papa Press. p. 30. ISBN 9780909010089.
  7. ^ "Non-Flowering seed plants: Native conifers". Archived from the original on 8 February 2013. Retrieved 21 March 2012.
  8. ^ "Takana Native Trees". Takana Nursery. Archived from the original on 10 March 2012. Retrieved 21 March 2012.