Kawaka
Libocedrus plumosa

Family: Cupressaceae

What it is like

Libocedrus plumosa is an evergreen Tree growing to 9 m (29ft 6in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. 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) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 9

Where it is found

Lowland forests between latitudes 35 and 38°south.

New Zealand.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The wood is said to act as a deterrent to insects. Wood - easily worked and often very beautiful. Used for construction, shingles etc.

Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

Requires a sheltered position in a good deep soil that is rich in humus. This species is not very hardy in Britain, though it succeeds outdoors in Cornwall and S. Ireland. A tree at Wakehurst Place was 5 metres tall in 1971. A slow-growing tree, it requires high humidity and protection from cold drying easterly winds.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold greenhouse in late winter. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

L. doniana.