Hall's Ttara

At Risk - Naturally Uncommon

A higher-elevation relative of ttara with finer foliage; a handsome tree for cooler districts and restoration. Learn more in our native plants guide.

Hall's Ttara (Podocarpus hallii) illustrative image — Image credit: Hall's Ttara (*Podocarpus hallii*) - Photo by Wikipedia contributors, via Wikipedia

Plant Description

Botanical Features

Hall's Ttara (Podocarpus hallii), also known as Mountain Totara, is a hardy New Zealand native evergreen tree. It typically grows 15 to 25 meters tall and 6 to 10 meters wide, forming a tall, dense tree. It produces small, leathery green leaves, generally greener than the normal totara tree. Juvenile leaves are linear-lanceolate, 2.5-5 cm long and 4-5 mm wide, while adult leaves are narrower, 2-3 cm long and 3-4 mm wide, rigid, and pungent. The tree features flaky, thin, papery bark on its trunk, which is often reddish-grey. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers followed by attractive red fruits that are appealing to birds. The ovules are solitary or paired, with receptacles that become red, swollen, and succulent. The seed is 3-5 mm long, narrow-ovoid, and nut-like. It thrives in higher altitudes and poor soils but can also grow at lower altitudes.

Quick Facts

Overview

Hall's Ttara quick facts
Scientific Name	Podocarpus hallii
Height	10-20 m
Spread	6-10 m
Light	Full sun to light shade
Water Needs	Moderate
Frost	Good
Frost Tolerance	Hardy once established
Salt Tolerance	Low; requires protection from salt exposure
Growth Rate	Slow
Lifespan	Very long; can live for centuries

Climate Best Suited to

Regional climate suitability across major New Zealand cities.

Regional Suitability

Table data
City	Climate Suitability
Whangārei	Ideal
Auckland	Ideal
Hamilton	Ideal
Tauranga	Ideal
Rotorua	Ideal
Gisborne	Ideal
New Plymouth	Ideal
Napier	Ideal
Whanganui	Ideal
Palmerston North	Ideal
Wellington	Ideal
Nelson	Ideal
Christchurch	Ideal
Dunedin	Ideal
Invercargill	Ideal

Natural Habitat

Hall's Ttara (Podocarpus hallii), also known as mountain ttara or thin-barked ttara, is a conifer species endemic to New Zealand. It is found across the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island/Rakiura, showcasing its widespread distribution and adaptability.

Key Habitats Include:

Montane and Subalpine Forests: Its natural habitat includes lowland, montane, and lower subalpine forests, with a notable prevalence in montane forests and at higher altitudes. It is often a dominant or co-dominant tree in these environments.
Challenging Soils: This species often grows in areas with impoverished or immature (skeletal) soils, and in sites that experience natural stress from drought or extreme temperature fluctuations. This highlights its hardiness and ability to thrive in less fertile conditions.
Wet Floodplain Soils: While typically found at higher elevations, it can also grow in wet floodplain soils and near mangroves at low elevations in some regions, demonstrating its ecological flexibility.

Preferred Conditions:

Well-Drained Soils: It can be a forest dominant on well-drained soils above 480 meters.
Wet Soils: It is also a co-dominant tree tolerant of wet soils at lower elevations.

The presence of Podocarpus hallii in these diverse and often challenging habitats underscores its ecological importance in contributing to the biodiversity and structural complexity of New Zealand's native forests, particularly in cooler, higher-altitude regions.

Plant Conservation

Podocarpus hallii, commonly known as Hall's tōtara, mountain tōtara, or thin-barked tōtara, is now taxonomically referred to as Podocarpus laetus. This New Zealand native conifer is currently classified as "Not Threatened" by the New Zealand Threat Classification System as of 2023. The IUCN Red List also lists its conservation status as "Least Concern." This species is endemic to New Zealand, growing in the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island/Rakiura. It is typically found in lowland, montane, and lower subalpine forests, often thriving in areas with impoverished or naturally stressed soils.

Growing Requirements

Soil

Well-drained, moderately fertile soils; avoid prolonged waterlogging.

Light

Performs in full sun to partial shade depending on species.

Water

Keep evenly moist while establishing; reduce irrigation as roots develop.

Temperature

Hardy in most regions of Aotearoa once established.

For Hall's Ttara (Podocarpus hallii), choose a site with full sun to light shade and soil that is well-drained, moisture-retentive. Incorporate composted organic matter to improve structure and drainage. Plant with the crown or root collar at soil level, then apply a 5-8 cm mulch to moderate temperature, conserve moisture, and suppress weeds. Protect young plants from extremes while establishing and consider the stated frost tolerance (seasonal) when siting near exposure or cold air drains.

Planting Guide

Choose a cool, well-drained site with sun to light shade. Plant slightly proud of the soil line and mulch to keep roots cool. Water to establish, then deeply but infrequently.

Soil: Free-draining loam; avoid waterlogging.
Spacing: 4-6 m from structures for long-term canopy.
Shelter: Provide wind shelter while young on exposed sites.

Ecosystem Notes

Forest structure: Long-lived canopy species contributing to carbon storage.
Associates: With beech and other podocarps in cool forests.
Recruitment: Shade-tolerant seedlings establish under light gaps.

Uses & Significance

Garden & Restoration

A higher-elevation relative of ttara with finer foliage; a handsome tree for cooler districts and restoration.

Cooler-climate shelter/specimen
Restoration plantings

Propagate Hall's Ttara from fresh, cleaned seed sown promptly, or by semi-hardwood cuttings taken from current season growth using a free-draining medium and gentle bottom heat. Germination can be slow; maintain even moisture and hygiene.

Landscaping Ideas

Specimen: Handsome fine foliage for larger, cool-climate gardens.
Shelter belts: Stately, wind-firm rows with adequate spacing.
Restoration: Anchor species for montane plantings.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring

Plant and mulch
Protect new growth from weeds

Summer

Deep watering in drought
Monitor pests

Autumn

Light formative pruning
Top up mulch

Winter

Plant eco-sourced stock
Stake in windy sites

Pruning & Maintenance

Techniques and Timing

Generally minimal; formative work when young and removal of damaged wood.

Prune Hall's Ttara lightly to maintain structure; remove damaged shoots and avoid hard cuts on older wood.

How to Grow Hall's Ttara

Hall's Ttara (Podocarpus hallii) is a slow-growing, high-country ttara suited to cool, well-drained sites. This iconic New Zealand conifer is a majestic tree, often found in subalpine and montane forests, where it contributes significantly to the ecosystem. Its dense, dark green foliage and sturdy trunk make it a striking specimen in larger gardens and restoration projects. While it is a long-lived species, its slow growth rate means that successful propagation and establishment require patience and careful attention to detail. Understanding the specific methods for growing Hall's Ttara is crucial for ensuring its long-term health and contribution to native landscapes.

From Seed

Difficulty: Medium

Propagating Hall's Ttara from fresh seed is the most reliable method. Collect ripe arils (the fleshy, seed-bearing structures) when they are fully colored, typically in late autumn or early winter, and when birds begin to feed on them. It is crucial to remove all fleshy tissue from the seeds, as this can inhibit germination. Wash the seeds thoroughly and sow them promptly, as fresh, clean seed gives the best results. Use a free-draining, sterile seed-raising mix, such as a blend of sand and fine bark. Sow the seeds at a depth approximately equal to the seed's diameter and keep the medium evenly moist in bright, indirect light. Cool to mild temperatures (around 10-18°C) suit this species best. Germination can be slow and irregular, often taking several weeks to months, so patience is required. Once seedlings have developed a few true leaves and their root systems are secure, carefully prick them out into individual small pots, disturbing the roots as little as possible. Grow them on in a sheltered environment, gradually hardening them off before planting out.

From Cuttings

Difficulty: Difficult

Vegetative propagation of Hall's Ttara from cuttings can be challenging, with success rates often variable. Short juvenile cuttings (6-10 cm) taken from non-flowering shoots in late summer to early autumn offer the best chance of success. Remove the lower leaves, lightly wound the base of the cutting, and treat it with a suitable IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid) rooting hormone to stimulate root development. Insert the cuttings into a very free-draining medium, such as coarse perlite with fine bark, under high humidity and gentle bottom heat (around 18-22°C) in bright, filtered light. Rooting can be slow and irregular, often taking several months. Pot on only after a firm root system has formed, and then harden off the new plants gradually before transplanting them to their final positions. This method is generally more successful for experienced propagators or in specialized nursery settings.

Pests & Diseases

Root rot: Avoid poorly drained soils; mound-plant if necessary.
Scale/sooty mould: Treat with horticultural oil; improve airflow.
Wind damage: Stake young trees; prune torn branches cleanly after storms.

Cultural Significance

Podocarpus hallii, also known as Hall's tōtara, mountain tōtara, or thin-barked tōtara, is closely related to the common tōtara (Podocarpus totara) and shares much of its cultural significance, particularly within Māori tradition. The tōtara is considered the most sacred tree in Māori tradition. It was one of the most useful timbers in New Zealand forests, highly valued by Māori for constructing long canoes due to its light reddish-brown wood and tall trunks that could be easily hollowed out. Beyond canoes, tōtara wood was used for houses, carvings, musical instruments, and toys. The bark also had various uses, such as roofing, torches, containers, and splints for broken bones. The tōtara's reputation was further solidified by its widespread distribution throughout the country.

Bonus Tip

In mixed plantings, underplant with shade-tolerant ferns to keep root zones cool and weed-free, improving establishment in summer-dry periods.