This large tree forms an upright habit with a rounded crown or under cultivation forms a branched shrub to a hight of 5m (15ft). It has stiff linear dull green leaves and the male and female flowers appear during late spring followed by red succulent fruit.

Hardiness zones 8 to 10

Podocarpus totarais naturally found in New Zealand particularly on the north island on the Banks Peninsula and can be found growing in altitudes up to 600m (2,000ft).

It prefers well-drained moist composted soils in a protected sunny position and is frost tolerant but drought tender.

Mahogany Pine is grown for its mature bushy habit and is used as a specimen in parks or large gardens. It may also be clipped to form an informal hedge or used for screening along borders. It establishes in 3 to 5 years and tends to be slow growing. It is also valued for its durable timber.ID 1410

Note:
This tree is highly valued by the Maori for construction of canoes and for elaborate carving for the ware whakairo or pataka.

Podocarpus(pod-o-KAR-pus) totara(tô-TAH-ra)

"Podocarpus", from Greek podo, "foot", + karpos, "fruit", referring to the supposed similarity between the fallen fruit and a footprint.

Podocarpaceae(POD-oh-kar-PAY-see-ee)
Podocarps