Phyllocladus trichomanoides
Tanekaha | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Conservation status | |
![]() Least Concern (IUCN 2.3)[1] | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Gymnospermae |
Division: | Pinophyta |
Class: | Pinopsida |
Order: | Araucariales |
Family: | Podocarpaceae |
Genus: | Phyllocladus |
Species: | P. trichomanoides |
Binomial name | |
Phyllocladus trichomanoides D.Don |
Phyllocladus trichomanoides, the tānekaha or celery pine, is a coniferous tree endemic to New Zealand.
Description
Tānekaha is a medium-sized forest tree growing up to 25 m in height and 1 m trunk diameter.[2] The main structural shoots are green-skinned for 2–3 years, then turn brown as the bark thickens. The leaves are sparse, tiny, scale-like, 2–3 mm long, and only green (photosynthetic) for a short time, soon turning brown.
Most photosynthesis is performed by phylloclades, highly modified, leaf-like short shoots; these are arranged alternately, 10-15 on a shoot, the individual phylloclades rhombic, 1.5-2.5 cm long. The seed cones are berry-like, with a fleshy white aril surrounding but not fully enclosing the single seed.
Distribution
In the North Island this species is found in lowland forests from Te Paki to 40°S.[2] In the South Island this species is found in northern Marlborough and Nelson to 41°30'S.[2]
Pests and diseases
This species plays host to the New Zealand endemic beetle Agapanthida morosa.[3]
Economic uses
Like the kauri, tānekaha shed their lower branches, producing smooth straight trunks and knot-free timber which is sought after for its strength.
The bark is rich in tannin, from which Māori extracted a red dye.
References
- ^ "Phyllocladus trichomanoides D.Don". GBIF. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
- ^ a b c Eagle, Audrey (2008). Eagle's complete trees and shrubs of New Zealand volume one. Wellington: Te Papa Press. p. 32. ISBN 9780909010089.
- ^ Stephanie L. Sopow; John Bain (14 September 2017). "A checklist of New Zealand Cerambycidae (Insecta: Coleoptera), excluding Lamiinae" (PDF). New Zealand Entomologist. 40 (2): 55–71. doi:10.1080/00779962.2017.1357423. ISSN 0077-9962. Wikidata Q56166058.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Gymnosperm Database: Phyllocladus trichomanoides