Kahikatea

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides

Physical Characteristics

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft 8in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

New Zealand.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Gum Fruit - raw. A sweet taste[128, 153], it is palatable but with a slightly oily taste[173]. Also used as a masticatory[183] (this last report probably refers to the use of the resin). A resin is obtained from the tree[153], it is used as a chewing gum[173].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known