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 totara is 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 (tō-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