Mountain Ttara

Podocarpus laetus

At Risk - Naturally Uncommon

Mountain Ttara is a hardy evergreen conifer reaching 6-15 meters tall, distinguished by its narrow, linear leaves and ability to thrive in harsh montane conditions up to 1200 meters elevation. This resilient species has distinctive copper-bronze bark and dense branching that creates excellent wind resistance. Endemic to New Zealand, it forms either a small to medium tree or large shrub depending on exposure, and produces bright red fruits that attract native birds. An excellent choice for challenging sites among New Zealand's native trees

Image credit: Mountain Ttara (Podocarpus laetus) - Photo by Wikipedia contributors, via Wikipedia

Plant Description

Botanical Features

Mountain Ttara (Podocarpus laetus), also known as Hall's ttara or thin-barked ttara, is a species of conifer endemic to New Zealand. This evergreen tree can grow up to 20 meters tall with a stout trunk that can reach 125 cm in diameter. Its bark is notably thin, papery, and flaky, which distinguishes it from the more widely known lowland ttara (Podocarpus totara). Juvenile trees often have slender, somewhat drooping branchlets. The leaves are brownish-green; juvenile foliage is linear-lanceolate, measuring 3-7 cm long by 3-5 mm wide, while adult leaves are smaller, 1.5-3 cm long by 3-4 mm wide, narrow-linear to linear-lanceolate, acute to acuminate, coriaceous, and pungent, typically with a visible midvein. It produces yellow-green catkins (pollen cones) that are 1-2.5 cm long, appearing in mid-spring to early summer. The ovules are solitary or paired, developing into seeds that are green, narrow-ovoid, pointed, and nut-like, often on red, swollen, and succulent receptacles. These attractive red fruits ripen in autumn and are a food source for native birds.

Quick Facts

Quick Facts Overview

Table data
Scientific Name	Podocarpus laetus
Height	6-15 meters
Spread	4-8 meters
Water Needs	Low to moderate
Light	Full sun to partial shade
Frost Tolerance	Very high (hardy to -15°C)
Salt Tolerance	Low to moderate
Growth Rate	Slow
Lifespan	200-400 years

Climate Best Suited to

Mountain Ttara thrives in montane climates from 300-1200 meters elevation, where it experiences cool temperatures, moderate rainfall, and occasional snow. This hardy species tolerates extreme wind exposure and temperature fluctuations, making it ideal for challenging mountain conditions and exposed sites throughout New Zealand's cooler regions.

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

Plant Habitat

Plant Habitat Overview

The genus occupies habitats from sea level to treeline across New Zealand, with different species specialized for specific elevational and climatic zones. Ttara thrives in lowland to montane forests on a variety of soil types, while alpine species like P. nivalis adapt to harsh mountain conditions with extreme temperature fluctuations and snow cover. Most species prefer areas with reliable moisture but good drainage.

Plant Conservation

Conservation

Podocarpus laetus, also known as Hall's tōtara, mountain tōtara, or thin-barked tōtara, is a conifer species endemic to New Zealand. It is found in montane and subalpine forests, typically at elevations between 300 and 1200 meters, and can tolerate harsh conditions like strong winds, cold temperatures, and drought. Despite historical exploitation for timber by Māori and early settlers, Podocarpus laetus is currently classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, a status maintained in assessments from 2013 to 2024. This is largely due to its extensive range and greater altitudinal distribution, which has ensured its survival over a sufficiently large area. Legal protections against logging native trees in New Zealand have also significantly reduced its exploitation. As a keystone species, Podocarpus laetus plays a vital role in New Zealand's forest ecosystems, supporting diverse communities of epiphytes, birds, and invertebrates. Its cone-fruits provide a crucial food source for native birds, which in turn help disperse its seeds. The species also contributes to carbon sequestration and forest structural complexity. While the species itself is not currently threatened, broader conservation challenges for Podocarpus species in New Zealand include limited regeneration due to deer browsing and competition from invasive species. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining mature forests and facilitating natural regeneration in appropriate habitats.

Growing Requirements

Soil Requirements

Mountain Ttara adapts well to challenging soil conditions:

Well-drained soils essential - excellent tolerance for poor soils
Thrives in rocky, gravelly, or shallow soils over bedrock
Cannot tolerate waterlogged or consistently wet conditions
Suitable for slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5)
Performs well on slopes and ridges with good drainage

Light Requirements

Mountain Ttara excels in exposed, sunny conditions:

Full sun preferred for dense, compact growth
Exceptional tolerance for wind exposure and high UV
Can handle extreme weather once established
Partial shade acceptable but may result in more open form

Water Requirements

Mountain Ttara has low water requirements once established:

Regular watering during establishment (first 2-3 years)
Excellent drought tolerance once established
Natural rainfall usually sufficient in most NZ locations
Avoid overwatering which can promote disease
Benefits from winter moisture but tolerates summer drought

Planting Guide

When to Plant

Plant Mountain Ttara during autumn or early spring when temperatures are cool and soil moisture is adequate. This hardy species establishes well when planted during optimal weather conditions.

Site Selection

Choose a site with:

Full sun exposure with excellent drainage
Sloping or elevated position that avoids water accumulation
Room for mature size (15m tall, 8m spread)
Exposure tolerance once established makes windy sites acceptable

Planting Procedure

Dig hole 2-3 times wider than root ball, same depth
Improve heavy soils with sand and gravel for drainage
Position tree so root collar sits at natural soil level
Backfill with improved soil mixture
Water thoroughly to settle soil around roots
Create shallow watering basin for establishment
Apply organic mulch but keep clear of trunk

Initial Care

Provide regular watering during first 2-3 years until established. Mountain Ttara becomes quite drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once mature root system develops.

Ecological Role

Environmental Impact

Podocarpus species serve as keystone species in New Zealand's forest ecosystems, often forming emergent canopy layers that support diverse communities of epiphytes, birds, and invertebrates. Their modified cone-fruits provide crucial food resources for native birds like bellbird, t««, and kk, which in turn disperse seeds throughout the forest. As large biomass dominants, they play vital roles in carbon sequestration and forest structural complexity.

Uses Section

Uses Section Overview

This versatile native plant offers multiple practical applications in landscaping and garden design, from providing ground cover and erosion control to creating habitat for native wildlife. The plant 's natural characteristics make it valuable for restoration projects and sustainable gardening practices.

Landscaping Section

Landscaping Section Overview

This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring

New growth begins with bronze-tinted young foliage
Optimal time for planting in mountain conditions
Begin watering schedule for newly planted trees
Check for winter wind or snow damage

Summer

Active growing period with excellent heat tolerance
Male trees produce pollen, females develop seed cones
Minimal watering needed except for young trees
Excellent performance during hot, dry summers

Autumn

Bright red fruits ripen on female trees, highly attractive to birds
Excellent time for planting before winter
Collect fresh seeds for propagation
Natural leaf drop occurs as part of growth cycle

Winter

Outstanding cold tolerance with no protection required
Growth slows during coldest periods
Fruits may persist providing winter food for wildlife
Ideal time for any necessary pruning

When to Prune and How Much

When to Prune and How Much Overview

Mountain Ttara develops naturally good structure requiring minimal pruning:

Remove dead , diseased, or damaged branches any time of year
Light structural pruning for young trees if multiple leaders develop
Avoid heavy pruning as natural form is typically most attractive
Late winter best timing for any structural work
Dense branching rarely requires thinning

Use sharp , clean tools and make cuts just outside the branch collar. Mountain Ttara has moderate wound response, so minimize unnecessary cuts.

How to Grow Mountain Ttara

Mountain Ttara (Podocarpus laetus) is a cold-tolerant ttara of upland forests that performs best in cool, well-drained sites. This hardy evergreen conifer is a significant component of New Zealand's montane ecosystems, often found at elevations where other trees struggle. Its ability to withstand harsh conditions, including strong winds, cold temperatures, and occasional snow, makes it a valuable species for ecological restoration and challenging garden environments. While it is a slow-growing tree, its longevity and robust nature make it a rewarding plant to cultivate. Understanding its propagation methods is key to successfully establishing this resilient native.

From Seed

Difficulty: Medium

Propagating Mountain Ttara from fresh seed is the most reliable method. Collect ripe arils (the fleshy, seed-bearing structures) when they are fully colored and soft, typically in late summer to autumn. It is crucial to remove all fleshy tissue from the seeds, as this can inhibit germination. Rinse 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 12-18 °C) suit germination, which can be slow and irregular, often taking several weeks to months. Once seedlings have developed a few true leaves and their root systems are secure, carefully prick them out into individual small pots, minimizing disturbance. Grow them on in light shade with steady moisture before gradually hardening them off.

From Juvenile Cuttings

Difficulty: Difficult

Vegetative propagation of Mountain 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 is slow and variable, often taking several months. Pot on only once a firm root system has formed, and then gradually wean the new plants from high humidity. This method is generally more successful for experienced propagators or in specialized nursery settings.

Pests & Diseases

Scale Insects

Damage: Various scale species may infest foliage and branches
Symptoms: Yellowing needles , sticky honeydew, reduced vigor
Management: Usually not serious; horticultural oil if severe; maintain tree health

Root Rot Diseases

Cause: Poor drainage leading to waterlogged root zones
Symptoms: Yellowing foliage , branch dieback, overall decline
Management: Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; improve soil structure

Wind and Weather Damage

Ice damage : Heavy ice loads can break branches
Wind damage : Young trees may suffer from extreme exposure
Management: Provide temporary shelter during establishment; prune damaged growth

Browsing Damage

Deer and goats: May browse on foliage in mountain areas
Possums: Can damage bark and foliage
Management: Install tree guards; control browsing animals

Mountain Ttara's natural hardiness means most problems arise from unsuitable growing conditions rather than pests or diseases. Focus on proper site selection and drainage.

Cultural Significance

Cultural Importance

Tōtara Group Heritage

Mountain tōtara is part of the tōtara complex renowned for durable timber in traditional and colonial use. In montane forests it contributes to podocarp identity and long-lived canopy structure.

Podocarpus laetus, also known as montane totara, Hall's tōtara, or thin-barked tōtara, holds cultural significance primarily among the Māori people of New Zealand, and also had uses for early European settlers. The bark of Podocarpus laetus was historically used by southern Māori to create containers called "pohatiti" for storing muttonbirds. The Whanganui Māori also favored tōtara kōtukutuku (a Māori name for Podocarpus laetus) for canoe making because its wood was not as straight-grained and free-splitting as other timbers. Like its close relative Podocarpus totara, Podocarpus laetus wood was valued by both Māori and early European settlers for construction, including houses, fence posts, and railway sleepers. The tōtara (which includes Podocarpus laetus) is considered a sacred tree in Māori tradition. Its widespread growth across the country and its use in crafting large war canoes (taua) contributed to its esteemed status. Podocarpus laetus was likely the first New Zealand species to be used in dendrochronological research, specifically in an investigation of Māori archaeology.

Bonus Tip

Mountain Ttara (Podocarpus laetus) was previously known as Podocarpus hallii, and is closely related to the more common lowland ttara (Podocarpus totara). It can be distinguished by its thinner, papery bark that flakes freely, unlike the thick, furrowed bark of P. totara. Additionally, its leaf buds are distinctly wider than the branchlets, a subtle but key identifying feature.