| Podocarpus nivalis | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Pinales |
| Family: | Podocarpaceae |
| Genus: | Podocarpus |
| Species: | P. nivalis |
| Binomial name | |
| Podocarpus nivalis Hook. |
|
Podocarpus nivalis (mountain or snow totara) is a species of conifer in the Podocarpaceae family. It is found only in New Zealand. It grows in the mountains and subalpine lands from 37° to the far south New Zealand about 46° South Latitude. Up to 5 m tall (16.5 ft).
It is one of the hardiest podocarps of the Southern Hemisphere, it has withstood minus 25 °C(minus 13 °F) in the British Isles, and survives long periods under snow in its native habitat, close to the bush line in NZ's high mountains. It needs high rainfall to grow well.