Libocedrus bidwillii
Family: Cupressaceae
What it is like
Libocedrus bidwillii is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft 7in) 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): 20
Where it is found
Montane to sub-alpine forests in North and South Islands.
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 - very durable, soft, easily worked. Used for constructing bridges, 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.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Requires a sheltered position in a good deep soil that is rich in humus. This tree is possibly hardy in Britain. A tree at Nymans in Sussex was 8 metres tall in 1970. A slow-growing tree, it requires high humidity and protection from cold drying easterly winds. The crushed leaves have a faintly sweet resinous scent.
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 Canopy; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist