Podocarpus laetus

Podocarpus laetus is a species of conifer in the family Podocarpaceae, commonly known as Hall's tōtara, mountain tōtara or thin-barked tōtara.[2] Previously known as Podocarpus hallii and Podocarpus cunninghamii,[3] in 2015 it was realised that the much earlier name P. laetus has priority.[4] Its common name results from the species being named after J. W. Hall, a New Zealand pharmacist.[2]

For other plant species also known as tōtara, see List of plants known as tōtara.

Podocarpus laetus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Gymnosperms
Division: Pinophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Araucariales
Family: Podocarpaceae
Genus: Podocarpus
Species:
P. laetus
Binomial name
Podocarpus laetus
Hooibr. ex Endl.
Synonyms
  • Podocarpus hallii
  • Podocarpus cunninghamii

It is found only in New Zealand. It can be found growing in both montane and subalpine forests but less common in lowland forests.[2]

Hall's totara, Hinewai, New Zealand
Hall's totara foliage
Hall's totara bark is thin and flaky compared to that of P. totara

P. laetus is distinguished from the more widely known lowland tōtara by its thinner bark,[5] longer juvenile leaves and distribution at higher altitudes.[6][7]

References
  1. Farjon, A.; Carter, G. (2013). "Podocarpus laetus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T42498A2983081. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42498A2983081.en. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  2. Eagle, Audrey (2008). Eagle's complete trees and shrubs of New Zealand volume one. Wellington: Te Papa Press. p. 12. ISBN 9780909010089.
  3. "www.conifers.org".
  4. Molloy, Brian (2015). "Brian Molloy, 'The correct name for the New Zealand endemic conifer Hall's totara (Araucariales: Podocarpaceae)'. Phytotaxa 220(2)". Phytotaxa. 220 (2): 101. doi:10.11646/phytotaxa.220.2.1.
  5. "Hall's tōtara". Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  6. "Podocarpus cunningham (Hall's totara)". Taranaki Educational Resource: Research, Analysis and Information Network. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  7. "TOTARA". Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 21 August 2012.


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