Phyllocladus toatoa

Phyllocladus toatoa
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Pinophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Pinales
Family: Podocarpaceae
Genus: Phyllocladus
Species: P. toatoa
Binomial name
Phyllocladus toatoa
Molloy

Phyllocladus toatoa, known as Toatoa (Māori) or Blue Celery Pine[1] is a species of conifer in the Podocarpaceae family, endemic to New Zealand. It was formerly referred to as P. glaucus.[2]

Botanical Description

P. 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.[1] The outer bark ranges in color from dark brown to a silvery-brown.[2] P. toatoa is distinguishable from other species in the Phyllocladus genus due to its whorled pinnate phylloclades with diamond shaped segments.[1] Attached to whorled branches are cladodes.[3] P. toatoa flowers between October and December, leading to a fruiting stage between January and March.[4] The fruit is a nut sitting in a cup shaped envelope.[3] Each fruit contains 3-4 3 mm square shaped seeds which are black at maturity.[2] Cultivated mature plants flower annually.[2] The species is wind pollinated by male cones which produce large quantities of pollen.[2] Mature seeds are dispersed from the cone through swelling of the cone bracts ejecting the seeds to the ground.[2] Distribution is limited resulting in many seeds landing on the ground under the female tree.[2] Establishment of the species over a large area indicates that P. toatoa is dispersed by wind and birds.[2] P. toatoa is difficult to propagate and is relatively slow growing.[5]

Range and Habitat

P. toatoa can be found in lowlands and montane forests including the central North Island and northwards.[2] It is considered to be well protected and not considered threatened.[2] 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.[6] 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.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Earle, Christopher J. "Phyllocladus toatoa Molloy 1996". Retrieved 21 March 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 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. Retrieved 21 March 2012.
  3. 1 2 "Phyllocladaceae". Retrieved 21 March 2012.
  4. 1 2 "NZ Plant Conservation Network". New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. Retrieved 21 March 2012.
  5. ↑ "Non-Flowering seed plants: Native conifers". Retrieved 21 March 2012.
  6. ↑ "Takana Native Trees". Takana Nursery. Retrieved 21 March 2012.


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