Podocarpus laetus facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Podocarpus laetus
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 2.3)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Podocarpus
Species:	laetus
Synonyms
Podocarpus hallii Podocarpus cunninghamii

Podocarpus laetus is a special type of tree called a conifer, which means it has cones instead of flowers. It belongs to the Podocarpaceae family. People often call it Hall's tōtara, mountain tōtara, or thin-barked tōtara. For a while, it was known by different names like Podocarpus hallii and Podocarpus cunninghamii. But in 2015, scientists realized that an older name, P. laetus, was the correct one to use. Its common name, Hall's tōtara, comes from J. W. Hall, a pharmacist from New Zealand.

Hall's Tōtara: A Mountain Tree

This unique tree is found only in New Zealand. You can usually spot it growing in forests high up in the mountains (called montane and subalpine forests). It's not as common to find it in forests closer to sea level.

Hall's tōtara growing in Hinewai, New Zealand

What Makes It Special?

P. laetus is different from the more well-known tōtara tree that grows in lower areas. Here are some ways to tell them apart:

• Its bark is thinner and often flaky.
• Its young leaves are longer.
• It prefers to grow at higher altitudes, usually in cooler mountain areas.

The leaves of Hall's tōtara

Hall's tōtara has thin, flaky bark