Dacrydium Cupressinum
Dacrydium cupressinum
This native plant, known as Dacrydium cupressinum(scientific name: Dacrydium cupressinum), is a remarkable species endemic to New Zealand. It is characterized by its unique features, ecological role, and cultural significance. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on its care, propagation, and importance within the New Zealand ecosystem. Understanding this plant contributes to the appreciation of our rich biodiversity and heritage, and supports conservation efforts for Browse All.
Plant Description
Identification and Physical Characteristics
Dacrydium cupressinum , commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is a large evergreen conifer native to New Zealand and the country's most common native conifer Discover more about native trees. It can grow to about 35 meters in height, but can reach up to 60 meters with a stout trunk up to 2 meters in diameter, and has an estimated lifespan of 600-800 years. The tree is characterized by its drooping and hanging foliage; juvenile trees have a narrowly conical crown with long, thin, pendulous branches, while mature trees develop a more rounded crown with spreading branches and drooping branchlets. The bark is dark brown or gray, stringy, and peels off in large, thick flakes. Juvenile leaves are slender, 4-7 mm long, and can vary in colour from dark green to bronze-green, red-green, or orange. Adult leaves are smaller, 2-3 mm long, scale-like, and more appressed to the stem. It is dioecious, with male and female cones on separate trees. Female trees bear highly modified fruit with a red, fleshy receptacle and a deep bluish-black, egg-shaped seed. It is a dominant or co-dominant emergent species in mixed conifer or conifer-angiosperm forests at low to middle elevations, typically in warm temperate evergreen rainforests with high year-round precipitation.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Dacrydium cupressinum |
|---|---|
| Height | 30-50 m |
| Spread | 10-15 m |
| Water Needs | Moderate to high |
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Good |
| Salt Tolerance | Poor |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Lifespan | Very long (1000+ years) |
Climate Best Suited to
Dacrydium cupressinumis well adapted to various New Zealand regions.
Regional Suitability
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Auckland | High |
| Wellington | High |
| Christchurch | Medium |
Plant Habitat
Natural Occurrence and Ecology
Rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum), New Zealand's most common native conifer, is a majestic tree found throughout the North, South, and Stewart Islands. Its natural habitat primarily consists of lowland to lower montane forests, typically at elevations up to 700-950 meters above sea level. Rimu is a dominant or co-dominant emergent species in mixed conifer or conifer-angiosperm forests, which are characterized as warm temperate evergreen rainforests with high year-round precipitation. It thrives in these moist, sheltered conditions, contributing significantly to the forest canopy. While widespread, its distribution is less common or even absent in parts of the eastern South Island. Historically, extensive rimu forests were a prominent feature of the New Zealand landscape, though deforestation has significantly reduced their extent in some areas, such as the Banks Peninsula.
Growing Requirements
Soil Requirements
Prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
- Well-drained
- Loamy
Light Requirements
Grows best in partial to full sun.
- Full Sun
- Partial Shade
Water Requirements
Requires regular watering during dry periods.
- Regular
- Drought tolerant once established
Planting and Establishing
Establishment Guidance
Plant Dacrydium cupressinumin a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Proper establishment is key to long-term success. Ensure the planting hole is twice as wide as the root ball and backfill with a mix of native soil and organic compost. Initial watering should be thorough, followed by regular monitoring during the first two growing seasons to ensure the plant becomes well-anchored and resilient to local climate fluctuations.
Ecological Role
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Impact
Provides habitat and food for native fauna.
This species plays a vital role in its local ecosystem, providing essential habitat and food sources for native biodiversity. Its presence supports complex ecological interactions, contributing to the overall health and stability of the environment. By planting this native, you help maintain the intricate web of life that defines New Zealand's unique natural heritage.
Uses & Significance
Garden Uses
Ideal for rock gardens and native borders.
- Rock gardens
- Ground cover
Ecological Value
Supports local pollinators.
- Birds
- Insects
The versatility of this plant makes it a valuable addition to many New Zealand gardens. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it offers practical benefits such as soil stabilization and shelter for smaller plants. Its historical and modern uses highlight its enduring importance in both traditional practices and contemporary landscape design, making it a thoughtful choice for any restoration or gardening project.
Landscaping Uses
Adds texture and form to modern landscapes.
In a landscape setting, this plant provides excellent structure and year-round interest. Its unique form and foliage can be used to create focal points or as a cohesive element in a larger native planting scheme. It pairs well with other New Zealand natives, allowing for the creation of diverse and resilient garden environments that reflect the natural beauty of Aotearoa.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring
Mulch and apply balanced fertilizer.
- Fertilize
- Mulch
Summer
Water deeply during dry spells.
- Water
- Check for pests
Autumn
Tidy up any dead foliage.
- Prune lightly
- Plant new specimens
Winter
Protect from heavy frosts if necessary.
- Frost protection
When to Prune and How Much
Minimal pruning required to maintain shape.
- Remove dead branches
Always use clean, sharp tools.
Regular maintenance through careful pruning ensures the plant remains healthy and maintains its desired shape. Focus on removing dead or diseased wood to promote better air circulation and prevent the spread of pathogens. Proper pruning techniques help the plant direct its energy toward new growth, resulting in a more robust and aesthetically pleasing specimen in your garden.
How to Grow Dacrydium Cupressinum
Cultivating Dacrydium cupressinum(Dacrydium cupressinum) is a rewarding endeavor for any gardener interested in New Zealand's unique flora. This species can be propagated through several methods, each requiring specific conditions to ensure healthy growth and establishment. Successful propagation depends on mimicking the plant's natural environment and providing consistent care during the early stages of development.
From Seed
Propagation from seed is often the most effective way to produce a large number of Dacrydium Cupressinum plants. Seeds should be collected when they are fully mature. Freshly collected seeds generally have higher germination rates than those that have been stored for long periods.
Sow fresh seeds in a seed-raising mix.
- Collect seeds
- Sow in trays
Keep moist until germination.
From Cuttings
For those wishing to replicate specific characteristics of a parent plant, vegetative propagation via cuttings is the preferred method. This technique ensures that the new plants are genetically identical to the source. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken during the appropriate season usually yield the best results for this species.
Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Take cuttings
- Use rooting hormone
Additional Methods
Depending on the growth habit of Dacrydium cupressinum, other methods such as division or layering might also be viable options. Division is particularly suitable for plants that form dense clumps or have spreading root systems, while layering can be used for species with trailing or flexible stems.
Division can be done in early spring.
- Divide clumps
- Replant immediately
Pests & Diseases
Generally resistant to major pests.
While generally resilient, maintaining optimal growing conditions is the best defense against pests and diseases. Regular monitoring allows for early detection of any issues, which can often be managed through cultural practices or organic interventions. Ensuring good air circulation and appropriate watering will significantly reduce the plant's susceptibility to common environmental stresses and pathogens.
Cultural Significance
Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as rimu, holds significant cultural importance in New Zealand for both Māori and early European settlers.Resource for tools and carvings:The durable and versatile timber was traditionally used for crafting essential tools, weapons (like long spears for defense), and intricate carvings.Medicinal uses:Māori utilized various parts of the rimu for medicinal purposes. The gum or sap was used as a styptic to stop bleeding, bark decoctions treated wounds, crushed inner bark pulp was applied to burns, and leaves were used for sores.Food source:The fruit of the rimu was an important food source during fruiting seasons, though harvesting it was often dangerous due to its location at the ends of branches.Pigment for tattoos (Moko):The heartwood of the rimu, when burned and ground with a grub called aawhato, was used as a pigment for traditional Māori facial tattoos (moko).Spiritual beliefs:Some Māori believed the wood could help ward off evil spirits, particularly at night.Canoe making:The Ngāpuhi tribe specifically used rimu timber for crafting canoes (waka).Timber industry:Rimu was once the most harvested timber in New Zealand, making up 58% of the country's total timber production between 1918 and 1930. It was prized for its durable and resilient texture and used for flooring, furniture making, wagon building, and interior paneling of trams and railway cars.Brewing:In 1773, Captain James Cook brewed the first native beer, known as "spruce beer," using the young tips of rimu branches. This beer was an effective way to prevent scurvy.
- Traditional medicine
- Crafts
Bonus Tip
Excellent for low-maintenance gardens.
For an extra boost, consider applying a thin layer of high-quality organic mulch around the base of the plant. This helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and gradually improves soil structure as it breaks down. This simple step can make a significant difference in the plant's overall vigor and resilience, especially during periods of extreme weather.
Related Plants
Explore other native plants that share similar characteristics or habitats with Dacrydium Cupressinum (Dacrydium cupressinum), offering further insights into New Zealand's diverse flora. These related species provide context and opportunities for complementary planting in your garden.
Plant Conservation
Conservation Status
The conservation status ofDacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu, presents a nuanced picture.According to the IUCN Red List assessment in 2013, the species is classified as "Least Concern," with a stable population trend. However, some sources indicate a more precarious situation. MyNativeForest classifies Rimu as a "threatened species," noting a dwindling population and habitat erosion. The conservation listings and Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne also state its current conservation status as "Not Threatened" (as of 2023 for conservation listings). Despite this, they highlight that as a forest type, Rimu has been significantly reduced due to widespread logging, with very few intact rimu-dominated forests remaining in the North Island.Rimu is now a protected species in New Zealand, and logging for timber is prohibited on public land, though some selective felling is permitted in sustainably managed private forests.