Hall's Totara (Podocarpus hallii) hero image

Hall's Totara

Podocarpus hallii

Not Threatened

This native plant, known as Hall's Totara (scientific name: Podocarpus hallii ), 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 native trees .

Hall's Totara (Podocarpus hallii) showing distinctive narrow leaves and compact growth form
Image credit: Hall's Totara ( Podocarpus hallii ) - photo by Wikipedia contributors, via Wikipedia

Plant Description

Podocarpus hallii is a distinctive evergreen conifer that typically grows as a small to medium-sized tree, reaching 8-15 meters in height in optimal conditions, though often remaining smaller in cultivation. The plant is easily recognized by its narrow, linear leaves that are 1-4 cm long and only 2-4 mm wide, arranged spirally on the branches but often appearing somewhat two-ranked. The leaves are glossy dark green on the upper surface with a prominent midrib, while the undersides show two distinct pale bands separated by a narrow green stripe. Young growth often displays attractive bronze or reddish tints before maturing to green. The bark is brown and fibrous, becoming somewhat furrowed with age. Male and female flowers are produced on separate trees (dioecious), with males producing small yellowish catkins and females developing into the characteristic red, fleshy fruits that are actually modified cones. These "berries" are highly attractive to birds and consist of a hard seed surrounded by a bright red, edible aril.

Quick Facts

Podocarpus hallii quick facts
Scientific Name Podocarpus hallii
Height 8-15 meters (often smaller in cultivation)
Spread 4-8 meters
Water Needs Moderate - Prefers consistent moisture but tolerates dry periods
Light Full sun to partial shade
Frost Tolerance Hardy - Tolerates moderate to heavy frosts
Salt Tolerance Moderate - Some coastal tolerance
Growth Rate Slow to moderate
Lifespan 100+ years

Climate Best Suited to

Hall's Totara thrives in temperate climates throughout New Zealand, showing excellent adaptability to various environmental conditions. It performs best in areas with moderate to high rainfall and can tolerate both coastal and inland conditions. This hardy conifer is well-suited to cooler climates and can withstand frost, making it suitable for montane and subalpine areas. It prefers regions with consistent moisture but can adapt to periods of drought once established.

Regional Suitability

City suitability for Hall's Totara
City Climate Suitability
Auckland Good - May prefer cooler positions
Wellington Excellent - Cool, moist conditions ideal
Christchurch Excellent - Suits cooler climate
Dunedin Excellent - Cool, moist conditions perfect
Hamilton Good
Tauranga Good - Provide some shelter from hot sun
Nelson Excellent
Napier Good - Ensure adequate moisture
Palmerston North Excellent
Invercargill Excellent - Cool climate very suitable

Plant Habitat

In its natural habitat, Podocarpus hallii occurs throughout both the North and South Islands of New Zealand, from sea level to about 900 meters elevation. It is found in a variety of forest types, from lowland mixed forests to montane podocarp-broadleaf forests, often growing alongside other native conifers such as rimu, kahikatea, and miro. The species shows a preference for well-drained but moisture-retentive soils, typically on slopes and ridges rather than in wet valley bottoms. It commonly occurs in areas that receive good rainfall but with excellent drainage, often in association with southern beech forests in cooler regions. Hall's Totara can be found growing naturally in forest margins, clearings, and regenerating areas, demonstrating its ability to establish in both mature forest environments and more open, disturbed sites.

Growing Requirements

Soil Requirements

Hall's Totara adapts to various soil types but performs best in well-drained, fertile soils with good organic content.

  • Well-drained soils essential
  • Prefers fertile, organic-rich conditions
  • Tolerates slightly acidic to neutral pH
  • Adapts to clay or sandy soils with good drainage

Light Requirements

This versatile conifer grows well in various light conditions, from full sun to partial shade.

  • Full sun to partial shade acceptable
  • Young plants benefit from some protection
  • More compact growth in full sun
  • Tolerates shade but grows more slowly

Water Requirements

Prefers consistent moisture but becomes quite drought-tolerant once established.

  • Regular watering during establishment
  • Drought-tolerant when mature
  • Benefits from mulching
  • Avoid waterlogged conditions

Planting and Establishing

When planting Podocarpus hallii , choose a site with good drainage and protection from harsh winds, particularly for young trees. Plant in autumn or early spring when soil conditions are favorable and rainfall is reliable. Prepare a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and incorporate organic matter such as compost to improve soil structure and fertility. Ensure the tree is planted at the same depth as it was in the container, as podocarps are sensitive to deep planting. Water thoroughly after planting and apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk. Young trees benefit from staking for their first year or two, particularly in exposed sites. Regular watering during the first growing season is important, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root problems. In colder areas, young plants may benefit from some protection during their first winter until they are well established.

Ecological Role

Hall's Totara plays an important ecological role in New Zealand's forest ecosystems as both a canopy and understory species. The bright red berries are a valuable food source for native birds, particularly kereru (wood pigeons), tui, and bellbirds, which help disperse the seeds throughout the forest. The dense, evergreen foliage provides year-round shelter and nesting sites for various forest birds and other wildlife. As a long-lived tree, it contributes to forest structure and stability over many decades. The timber, while not as durable as true totara, provides habitat for various insects and invertebrates as it ages and decays. The tree's ability to grow in both forest interiors and more open areas makes it valuable for forest regeneration and succession. Its root system helps prevent erosion on slopes and contributes to soil stability in forest environments.

Uses & Significance

Garden Uses

Hall's Totara is valued in gardens for its attractive foliage, manageable size, and wildlife value.

  • Specimen tree for medium to large gardens
  • Hedge and screen plantings
  • Native forest restoration projects
  • Bird-attracting gardens
  • Windbreaks and shelter belts

Ecological Value

This conifer provides significant ecological benefits in both natural and cultivated settings.

  • Important food source for native birds
  • Provides habitat and shelter
  • Contributes to forest structure and succession
  • Supports native insect populations
  • Long-term carbon storage

Landscaping Uses

In landscape design, Podocarpus hallii offers versatility and year-round interest with its distinctive narrow foliage and attractive berries. Its moderate size makes it suitable for medium to large gardens where it can serve as a specimen tree or be grouped for greater impact. The dense growth habit makes it excellent for hedging and screening, particularly where a native alternative to exotic conifers is desired. Use it in native garden designs combined with other indigenous trees and shrubs to create authentic New Zealand forest landscapes. The colourful berries provide seasonal interest and attract birds, making it valuable for wildlife gardens. Its tolerance of various conditions makes it suitable for challenging sites such as slopes, areas with clay soils, or positions that receive only partial sun. Consider using it as a backdrop tree in mixed borders or as a structural element in formal landscapes where its neat, columnar growth habit can be appreciated.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring

New growth period with male trees producing pollen cones.

  • Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer
  • Refresh mulch layer around base
  • Plant new specimens
  • Take cuttings for propagation

Summer

Active growth period requiring consistent moisture for young plants.

  • Water young trees during dry spells
  • Monitor for pest issues
  • Light pruning if needed for shape
  • Check mulch and top up if necessary

Autumn

Berry ripening season with peak bird activity.

  • Observe birds feeding on berries
  • Collect ripe berries for propagation
  • Plant new specimens early in season
  • Prepare young trees for winter

Winter

Dormant period with minimal growth activity.

  • Minimal maintenance required
  • Prune for shape if necessary
  • Check for storm damage
  • Plan spring plantings

When to Prune and How Much

Hall's Totara generally requires minimal pruning due to its naturally attractive growth habit. The best time for any necessary pruning is late winter to early spring, before new growth begins.

  • Remove dead or damaged branches anytime
  • Light shaping in late winter if needed
  • Can be pruned moderately for hedging
  • Remove competing leaders to maintain single trunk
  • Avoid heavy pruning as recovery is slow

For hedging purposes, Hall's Totara responds well to regular light trimming during the growing season. When establishing a hedge, allow plants to reach desired height before beginning regular trimming. The tree's slow growth means that patience is required when developing shaped specimens.

How to Grow Hall's Totara

Cultivating Hall's Totara ( Podocarpus hallii ) 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 Hall's Totara 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.

Seeds should be collected when the red berries are fully ripe and have fallen naturally or can be easily removed from the tree, typically in late autumn to winter.

  1. Collect ripe berries from female trees
  2. Remove the fleshy red aril by washing in water
  3. Sow cleaned seeds immediately in well-draining mix
  4. Cover lightly with sand or fine bark
  5. Keep consistently moist at 15-20°C

Germination is typically slow, taking 2-6 months. Fresh seed gives the best results as viability decreases rapidly with storage.

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.

Cutting propagation allows selection of desired characteristics such as sex (for berry production) and growth form.

  1. Take 8-15 cm semi-hardwood cuttings in autumn
  2. Include a heel of older wood if possible
  3. Remove lower leaves and treat with rooting hormone
  4. Insert in free-draining propagation mix
  5. Maintain high humidity and consistent temperature

Rooting can be slow, taking 3-8 months. Bottom heat and misting systems improve success rates significantly.

Additional Methods

Depending on the growth habit of Hall's Totara, other methods such as air layering might also be viable options. Air layering is particularly suitable for obtaining larger plants more quickly than from cuttings or seeds.

Grafting is sometimes used commercially to ensure female plants for berry production, though this requires considerable skill.

  1. Select healthy, vigorous branch for air layering
  2. Wound bark in ring around branch
  3. Apply rooting hormone and wrap with moss
  4. Keep moist and check for root development
  5. Remove when well-rooted, typically after 6-12 months

Pests & Diseases

Podocarpus hallii is generally hardy and resistant to most pests and diseases when grown in suitable conditions. Scale insects occasionally appear on stressed plants, particularly during dry periods, and can be controlled with horticultural oil applications. Aphids may attack new growth in spring but rarely cause significant damage. Root rot can occur in poorly drained soils, making good drainage essential for plant health. Needle blight fungi may affect plants in very humid conditions with poor air circulation, but this is uncommon in garden situations. Young plants may be browsed by rabbits or deer where these are present, requiring protection until well established. Phytophthora root rot can be serious in waterlogged conditions, emphasizing the importance of well-drained planting sites. The most common problems are usually related to environmental stress rather than pest attack, with poor drainage being the primary cause of health issues. Regular monitoring and maintaining optimal growing conditions are the best prevention strategies.

Cultural Significance

While Podocarpus hallii was not as extensively utilized as the larger totara species, it still held value in traditional Māori culture as part of the broader totara group of plants.

  • Part of the totara family, valued for its wood properties
  • Berries occasionally consumed, though not a preferred food
  • Wood used for small implements and tools
  • Bark occasionally used for minor medicinal purposes
  • Important in traditional forest ecology knowledge
  • Indicator species for forest health and composition

Bonus Tip

To maximize berry production for wildlife, ensure you have at least one male tree for every 4-5 female trees, as Hall's Totara is dioecious. Male trees can be identified during spring by their prominent yellowish pollen cones, while female trees produce small, inconspicuous structures that develop into berries. The distinctive narrow leaves with pale underside bands make this species easy to distinguish from other podocarps. For the best growth, plant in a sheltered position with morning sun and afternoon protection in warmer climates. When establishing hedges, space plants 1-2 meters apart and be patient, as the slow growth means it takes several years to achieve density. The red berries are particularly attractive to kereru, so position female trees where you can observe bird activity.

Plant Conservation

Podocarpus hallii is currently listed as Not Threatened in New Zealand, with healthy populations throughout its range. However, like many native forest species, it faces ongoing pressure from habitat loss and fragmentation due to agricultural development and urban expansion. Forest clearance over the past 150 years has reduced the extent of suitable habitat, though the species persists in many forest remnants and protected areas. The slow growth rate of podocarps makes forest recovery a long-term process, emphasizing the importance of protecting existing populations. Home gardeners can contribute to conservation by growing this species, helping maintain genetic diversity and providing habitat for native birds in urban and rural settings. When sourcing plants, choose nursery-grown specimens from reputable suppliers to avoid impacting wild populations. Hall's Totara is valuable in restoration plantings and can help re-establish native forest cover in appropriate sites. Supporting the use of native conifers in landscaping helps reduce reliance on exotic species while contributing to biodiversity conservation.