Totara
Genus and Species:	Podocarpus Podocarpus Totara
Maori Name:	Totara
Maximum height:	30m
The Totara is one of the magestic forest canopy trees. A mature Totara tree reaches up to 30 metres, although this takes over 100 years. The leaves are 2.5 cm long, narrow at both ends and are dull brownish-green. They are stiff and prickly to touch. Totara is also recognised by the distinctive bark, which flakes off in thick brown slabs. Like all podcarps, Totara trees have cones - male and female cones grow on separate trees. In autumn the female trees produce tiny green seeds which grow on top of the distinctive juicy red base. This is particularly attractive to birds. The Totara was a prized tree for Maori to make canoes.