kahika
Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (A.Rich.) de Laub.
Dacrycarpus dacrydioides, known as kahika, is a coniferous tree in the Podocarpaceae family. It is native to New Zealand and is the country's tallest tree, capable of reaching 60 metres in height. The species was first described in 1832 as Podocarpus dacrydioides by Achille Richard and later reclassified in 1969 by David de Laubenfels. Genetic studies have established its evolutionary connection to other Dacrycarpus and Dacrydium species.
Description
Dacrycarpus dacrydioides is a tall conifer found in New Zealand, reaching up to 60 metres in height. It is part of the Podocarpaceae family and is known by the common name kahika. The species was originally classified in 1832 as Podocarpus dacrydioides and later renamed in 1969. It is one of the tallest trees in New Zealand and has a lifespan of around 600 years. Molecular analysis has confirmed its close relationship with other species in the genera Dacrycarpus and Dacrydium.
Other common names
White PineNew Zealand dacryberrywhite-pinekahikateakahika
Distribution
Global · New Zealand North · New Zealand South
Synonyms
Nageia dacrydioidesNageia excelsaPodocarpus excelsusPodocarpus thujoidesPodocarpus dacrydioidesDacrydium excelsumDacrydium ferrugineumDacrydium thuioidesNageia excesla