New Zealand is a country of two main 'islands' in the south-western Pacific Ocean - the North and the South Island; New Zealand also includes numerous smaller islands and islets such as Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands. New Zealand is approximately 1250 miles south east of Australia and has had a long isolation from its neighbors, resulting in a unique array of plant species which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
The Kauri Tree
The kauri tree (Agathis australis) grows only on the North Island of New Zealand in the Northland and the Coromandel Peninsula. Kauri trees grow to at least 30 meters in height and live for an extremely long time; it is believed that the kauri tree can live up to 2000 years old. There are significant kauri trees which have both spiritual significance and individual names; these kauri trees include Mahuta (named for the 'god of the forests') and Te Matua Ngahere ('Father of the Forest').
The Kahikatea Tree
The kahikatea, or white pine, tree (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides) is the tallest tree in New Zealand; it grows up to 60 meters in height and only reaches maturity after hundreds of years. The trunk of the kahikatea tree is one meter in diameter; it grows throughout the North and South Islands of New Zealand. The seeds of the kahikatea tree are dispersed by birds; the New Zealand pigeon favors the kahikatea tree.
The Matai Tree
The matai, or black pine, tree (Prumnopitys taxifolia) is found in both the North and the South Islands of New Zealand; it grows up to 30 meters in height and has a wide trunk. The matai tree has thick, gray colored bark, long, yellow spikes of both male and female flowers and flat leaves.
The Pohutukawa Tree
The pohutukawa tree (Metrosideros excelsa) is usually found on the North Island of New Zealand and is commonly known as the Christmas tree; it produces crimson flowers in December. The pohutukawa tree grows up to 20 meters in height and 2 meters in width; it is found on beaches in the Bay of Plenty, East Coast and the Coromandel Peninsula.
The Totara Tree
The totara tree (Podocarpus totara) is of particular importance to the Maori people of New Zealand; the Maori use it to make war canoes due to its soft wood. The totara tree lives for up to 1000 years or more; it produces both male and female cones (on separate trees) and long, pointy leaves.
Ancient Trees of New Zealand
There are many species of trees in New Zealand including conifers, broad leaf trees and beech trees, some of which have both native Maori names and English names. New Zealand's trees live for a very long time and some of them are gigantic in size; in fact, it could be said that the trees of New Zealand belong to an ancient and lost world.
For Related Reading by the Same Author:
The Maori Use of Native Plants
References:
Lonely Planet Guide to New Zealand 10th Edition 2000: Australia
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