Tanekaha, Celery pine
Phyllocladus trichomanoides
Family: Podocarpaceae
What it is like
Phyllocladus trichomanoides is an evergreen Tree growing to 8 m (26ft) by 5 m (16ft) 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 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): 8
Where it is found
Lowland forests on North and South Islands, south to latitude 42°s.
New Zealand.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
Astringent.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Other
Rating: 3
A red dye is obtained from the bark. It is orange-yellow. The bark is astringent, it is a very rich source of tannin. Wood - very strong, dense, heavy. Used for mine props, sleepers etc. A much valued timber in New Zealand.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Tannin: An astringent substance obtaied from plants, it is used medicinally, as a dye and mordant, stabilizer in pesticide etc.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
Prefers a good loamy soil containing leaf mold. Succeeds in a good open soil but if it is to thrive it needs copious rainfall, high humidity and warmer conditions than are normally found in Britain. Plants are not very hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c. They succeed outdoors in the mildest areas in the south and west of the country. They are hardy in Cornwall, southern Ireland etc, where they succeed in woodland gardens.
Propagating it: Seed - sow late winter in a cold frame. 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. Cuttings in a sandy soil in a cool or slightly warm frame in spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist