totara

plant

Also known as: Podocarpus totara

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

Totara refers to a tall tree (Podocarpus totara) native to New Zealand. It is highly valued for its hard, reddish wood, which is used in construction, including for furniture, bridges, and wharves. The totara is considered New Zealand's most valuable timber tree, second only to the kauri.1

There is also a related plant called alpine totara (Podocarpus nivalis), which is a dense shrub found in New Zealand. Unlike the tall tree, the alpine totara is often low-growing and spreads widely, with leaves that are closely and irregularly arranged.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

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yellowwood
ferrugineus), and the totara (P. totara), all native to New Zealand; kusamaki, or broad-leaved podocarpus (P. macrophyllus), of China and Japan; real yellowwood (P. latifolius), South African yellowwood (P. elongatus), and common yellowwood (P. falcatus) of southern Africa; plum-fir, or plum-fruited, yew
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ferrugineus), and the totara (P. totara), all native to New Zealand; kusamaki, or broad-leaved podocarpus (P. macrophyllus), of China and Japan; real yellowwood (P. latifolius), South African yellowwood (P. elongatus), and common yellowwood (P. falcatus) of southern Africa; plum-fir, or plum-fruited, yew
Read More