   podocarpus totara (tÅtara) is a species of podocarp tree endemic to new zealand. it grows throughout the north island and northeastern south island in lowland, montane and lower subalpine forest at elevations of up to 600 m. tÅtara is commonly found in lowland areas where the soil is fertile and well drained. ==description== the tÅtara 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&nbsp;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 largest known living tÅtara, the pouakani tree, near pureora in the central north island is over 35 meters tall and nearly 4 meters in trunk diameter at breast height. other large trees are known in this area, while whirinaki forest, to the east, but also on deep recent volcanic soils, has groves of very tall tÅtara (over 40m in height). tÅtara is often found regenerating on farmland as it's not eaten by livestock. ==related trees== in a classic example of antarctic flora species-pair the tÅtara is very closely related to podocarpus nubigenus from south america, to the extent that if planted together, they are very difficult to distinguish. the best distinction is the grey-green tone of the leaves, compared to the slightly brighter green of p. nubigenus. totara trees attract mainly native birds, which disperse the seeds, including kereru/wood pigeons, tui, bellbirds, and yellow-crowned parakeet. ==cultivation and uses== the wood is hard, straight-grained and very resistant to rot, especially its heartwood. due to its durability, tÅtara 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 mÄori carving. it was 
IUCN_Red_List_least_concern_species Least_concern_plants Podocarpus Trees_of_New_Zealand