Kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides)
Last Modified: 1-2-2020 7:58
© Christopher Cookson License this image
Kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides) or white pine is a member of the Podocarp family and New Zealand's tallest tree. It was once widespread throughout lowland Marlborough in swampy areas and formed the basis of a unique forest type, however now remains only in isolated pockets. The timber is not durable, however is odourless, and was logged extensively to make butter boxes due to this characteristic in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, with land cleared for pasture.
Although kahikatea forest is now rare, the tree species itself is not endangered, and is widely cultivated as a garden tree.
Two locations in Marlborough where it is possible to see remnant kahikatea forest are Onamalutu domain, and Pelorus Bridge.
The image shows kahikatea forest at Onamalutu (Ohinemahuta).
Image Date: 16/4/2016
Photographer: Christopher Cookson
Location: Latitude: -41.458534 Longitude: 173.703842