This shrub to small tree has a greyish trunk up to 400mm (16in) diameter with whorled short spreading branches that form a compact bushy habit. It has light green leathery leaf-like lobed segments and the male and female flowers appear in spring.  

Hardiness zones 8 to 10 

Phyllocladus alpinus is naturally found in the North and South Islands of New Zealand growing from the coast to an altitude of 1520m (4560ft) in sub-alpine and mountain forests. 

It prefers an organic rich moist soil in an open sunny to semi shaded position tolerating heavy frost and wind but is drought tender. 

Mountain Toatoa is grown for its compact habit and its foliage. It is planted in small gardens or commercial sites along borders, against buildings and in large rockeries. It is suitable for coastal and mountainous regions establishing in 4 to 6 years but is slow growing attaining a height of 1.5m (5ft) in 10-years. It can also be used in patio pots or mass planted to form a low hedge. ID 2767

Phyllocladus (fi-lo-KLA-dus) alpinus (al-PEEN-us)

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