Family: Podocarpaceae
Author: Hook.
Bibliography: Hooker’s Icon. Pl. 6: t. 582 (1843)
Year: 1843
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Podocarpus
Vegetable: False
Observations: New Zealand
Description
The Alpine totara, scientifically known as Podocarpus nivalis, is a resilient and remarkable evergreen conifer native to New Zealand. As a member of the Podocarpaceae family, this plant has adapted superbly to the cold, mountainous regions it calls home, thriving in alpine and subalpine environments.
Hooker originally described Podocarpus nivalis in 1843, and the detailed illustration can be found in his work, “Hooker’s Icones Plantarum.” This authoritative reference has contributed greatly to the understanding and identification of this species.
Podocarpus nivalis exhibits a low, sprawling form, often hugging the ground and forming dense mats. This growth habit is a strategic adaptation to withstand harsh winds and freezing temperatures. Its foliage consists of small, needle-like leaves, which are typically dark green but can develop a bronze or reddish hue in the colder months—a stunning visual transformation that adds to the plant’s ornamental appeal.
As with many other species in the Podocarpaceae family, the Alpine totara is dioecious, meaning that individual plants are either male or female. The reproductive structures are modest, with male plants bearing pollen cones and female plants producing small, fleshy, berry-like seeds that are a favorite among local bird species.
Ecologically, the Alpine totara plays a vital role in its native habitat. Its dense growth provides ground cover and erosion control on steep slopes, and it offers shelter and nesting sites for various endemic wildlife. Furthermore, the plant’s berries serve as an essential food source for birds during the colder months, assisting in seed dispersal and contributing to the health of New Zealand’s unique alpine ecosystems.
Cultivating Podocarpus nivalis in a garden setting can be rewarding for enthusiasts who can replicate its native conditions. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate frost, making it suitable for rock gardens, alpine plantings, and even as a ground cover in cooler climates. Its ability to thrive in such specific conditions is a testament to its hardiness and adaptability.
In summary, the Alpine totara (Podocarpus nivalis) is a cornerstone species of New Zealand’s alpine flora, beautifully adapted to some of the harshest environments on Earth. Its ecological contributions and striking seasonal changes make it an enchanting and invaluable plant for both natural landscapes and cultivated gardens.
Common Names
Eng: alpine totara, mountain totara, snow totara
Deu: bergsteineibe
Swe: snöpodokarp
En: Alpine totara, Snow Totara, Mountain totara
Da: Bjerg-Sydtaks
De: Bergsteineibe
Sv: Snöpodokarp
Synonyms
- Podocarpus nivalis var. erectus (Cockayne)
- Nageia nivalis ((Hook.) Kuntze)
Distribution
- New Zealand North (native)
- New Zealand South (native)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Dec 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Jul 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 31, 2020 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 30, 2022 by Dario Rothauer (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 17, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 20, 2018 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 20, 2018 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Nov 8, 2020 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 20, 2018 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5286061)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:263546-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Podocarpus nivalis Hook.)