Mountain Totara
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(Podocarpus nivalis)
Mountain Totara (Podocarpus nivalis)
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georgiasteel
Public Domain
Image By:
georgiasteel
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Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: georgiasteel | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: georgiasteel | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-03-27T12:10:30-07:00 |
Summary
Podocarpus nivalis, commonly known as Mountain Totara, is an evergreen shrub native to the mountainous regions, subalpine zones, and scrublands of New Zealand. It is a coniferous species that typically grows as a low-lying shrub between 20-40 cm tall, with spreading branches that can form dense mats over several square meters. In some conditions, it may become semi-erect, reaching heights of 2 to 3 meters. Branches that come into contact with the soil have the ability to root, allowing the plant to spread. Mountain Totara is noted for its extreme hardiness among Southern Hemisphere podocarps, having endured temperatures as low as minus 25 °C (minus 13 °F) in the British Isles and surviving extended periods under snow in its native range.
Mountain Totara is valued for its resilience and adaptability, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, alpine plantings, and as ground cover in colder regions. Its ability to withstand low temperatures and snow cover makes it an excellent option for high-altitude and subalpine gardens. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It can grow in a variety of soil types, provided they offer slow to fast drainage. While it prefers high rainfall, it can adapt to less moist conditions if necessary. Gardeners should be aware that although it is not prone to many diseases, it can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mountain Totara is valued for its resilience and adaptability, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, alpine plantings, and as ground cover in colder regions. Its ability to withstand low temperatures and snow cover makes it an excellent option for high-altitude and subalpine gardens. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It can grow in a variety of soil types, provided they offer slow to fast drainage. While it prefers high rainfall, it can adapt to less moist conditions if necessary. Gardeners should be aware that although it is not prone to many diseases, it can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 6-10 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Border Plant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to mountainous regions, subalpine zones, and scrublands of New Zealand
Other Names
Common Names: Snow Totara, Alpine Totara, Bergsteineibe, Snöpodokarp
Scientific Names: Podocarpus nivalis, Podocarpus montanus, Podocarpus nivalis var. erectus, Nageia nivalis
GBIF Accepted Name: Podocarpus nivalis Hook.