Rimu, New Zealand Red Pine
Dacrydium cupressinum
Family: Podocarpaceae
What it is like
A tree. In cultivation it is about 9 m high. It can grow 27-60 m high. It turns reddish brown in winter. Adult trees have shorter, fleshier needles than juvenile ones. Trees are separately male and female. Male cones are small. Female trees bear small bluish seeds. Each seed is sunk in a bright red fleshy cup.
There were 15-30 Dacrydium species but some have now been reclassified. It is rich in Vitamin D.
Where it is found
It is a warm temperate plant. They need cool climates without severe frosts. They need adequate rainfall and humidity. Melbourne Botanical gardens. It suits hardiness zones 9-10. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Britain, Europe, Hawaii, New Zealand (country/location of origin), Tasmania, USA
How it is used for food
A drink like spruce beer is made from the young shoots and the resin. The fleshy cup of the nut is eaten.
Edible parts
Fruit, leaves - drink
How it is grown
They can be grown from seed or cuttings. Seedlings can be transplanted.
They are slow growing. Trees reach maturity in 300 years and can live 800-900 years.
Its other names
Local names
Imou