Phyllocladus trichomanoides, the tānekaha or celery pine, is a coniferous tree endemic to New Zealand.
| Tanekaha | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Gymnospermae |
| Division: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Araucariales |
| Family: | Podocarpaceae |
| Genus: | Phyllocladus |
| Species: | P. trichomanoides
|
| Binomial name | |
| Phyllocladus trichomanoides D.Don
| |
Description
editTānekaha is a medium-sized forest tree growing up to 25 m in height and 1 m trunk diameter.[2] The main structural shoots are green-skinned for 2–3 years, then turn brown as the bark thickens. The leaves are sparse, tiny, scale-like, 2–3 mm long, and only green (photosynthetic) for a short time, soon turning brown.
Most photosynthesis is performed by phylloclades, highly modified, leaf-like short shoots; these are arranged alternately, 10–15 on a shoot, the individual phylloclades rhombic, 1.5–2–5 cm long. The seed cones are berry-like, with a fleshy white aril surrounding but not fully enclosing the single seed.
Distribution
editIn the North Island this species is found in lowland forests from Te Paki to 40°S.[2] In the South Island this species is found in northern Marlborough and Nelson to 41°30'S.[2]
Pests and diseases
editThis species plays host to the New Zealand endemic beetle Agapanthida morosa.[3]
Economic uses
editLike the kauri, tānekaha shed their lower branches, producing smooth straight trunks and knot-free timber which is sought after for its strength.
The bark is rich in tannin, from which Māori extracted a red dye.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ "Phyllocladus trichomanoides D.Don". GBIF. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
- ^ a b c Eagle, Audrey (2008). Eagle's complete trees and shrubs of New Zealand volume one. Wellington: Te Papa Press. p. 32. ISBN 9780909010089.
- ^ Stephanie L. Sopow; John Bain (14 September 2017). "A checklist of New Zealand Cerambycidae (Insecta: Coleoptera), excluding Lamiinae" (PDF). New Zealand Entomologist. 40 (2): 55–71. doi:10.1080/00779962.2017.1357423. ISSN 0077-9962. Wikidata Q56166058.
External links
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