Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Cultivated- USA)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides D.Don, Descr. Pinus ed. 3, 2: 159 1832. (Syn: Phyllocladus cunninghamii Carrière; Podocarpus trichomanoides (D.Don) Kuntze);

Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Tanekaha) is a coniferous tree native to New Zealand.

Tanekaha is a medium-sized forest tree growing up to 20 m in height and 1 m trunk diameter. The main structural shoots are green for 2–3 years, then turn brown as the bark thickens. The leaves are sparse, tiny, scale-like, 2–3 mm long, and only green (photosynthetic) for a short time, soon turning brown.

Most photosynthesis is performed by highly modified, leaf-like short shoots called phylloclades; these are arranged alternately, 10-15 on a shoot, the individual phylloclades rhombic, 1.5-2.5 cm long. The seed cones are berry-like, with a fleshy white aril surrounding but not fully enclosing the single seed.

Like the Kauri, Tanekaha shed their lower branches, producing smooth straight trunks and knot-free timber which is sought after for its strength.

The bark is rich in tannin, from which Māori extracted a red dye.

(From Wikipedia on 18.12.13)