Celery pine (Phyllocladus trichomanoides, A.B.Lambert, Descr. Pinus, ed. 3, 2: 159 (1832))

Family: Podocarpaceae

Author: D.Don

Bibliography: A.B.Lambert, Descr. Pinus, ed. 3, 2: 159 (1832)

Year: 1832

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Phyllocladus

Vegetable: False

Observations: New Zealand

Description

The Celery pine, scientifically known as Phyllocladus trichomanoides, is an intriguing species native to New Zealand. This resilient and adaptable tree is a member of the Podocarpaceae family, reflecting its close kinship with other conifers known for their hardy nature and evergreen qualities.

Initially brought to scientific attention and described in detail by D.Don, the Celery pine’s formal documentation can be traced back to an observational study published by A.B. Lambert in the third edition of “Descr. Pinus” in 1832. This early catalogue entry, found on page 159, continues to serve as a foundational reference for researchers and botanists studying this unique tree species.

Characterized by its botanical elegance, Phyllocladus trichomanoides exhibits a striking array of phylloclades—broad, leaf-like structures that perform the tree’s photosynthetic functions—reminiscent of the leaf arrangements found in true celery plants, hence the common name “Celery pine.” Despite appearances, these phylloclades are not true leaves but modified branches that enable the tree to thrive in its native forest habitats.

New Zealand’s specific climatic and soil conditions provide an environment where the Celery pine flourishes, contributing to local ecosystems with its distinctive structure and biodiversity benefits. Its ability to endure various environmental stresses reinforces its status as a critical and stable component of the New Zealand natural landscape.

Overall, the Celery pine stands as a remarkable testament to the diversity and specialization within the Podocarpaceae family, as well as the intricate ecological balance maintained within New Zealand’s lush forestry.

Common Names

Eng: celery pine, celery-pine, mountain toatoa
Swe: tanehakiträd
Mri: tanekaha
En: Celery pine, Celery-pine, Mountain Toatoa
Mi: Tanekaha
Sv: Tanehakiträd

Synonyms

• Podocarpus trichomanoides ((D.Don) Kuntze)

Distribution

• New Zealand North (native)
• New Zealand South (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 6, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2022 by Michelle Cooper (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 7, 2020 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 7, 2020 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5284474)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:262608-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Phyllocladus trichomanoides D.Don)

Specifications

Growth