Halocarpus biformis

Halocarpus biformis, commonly known as yellow pine or pink pine, is a coniferous tree endemic to New Zealand. It yields a tight-grained, sweet-smelling, and extremely durable wood.^[2]

Halocarpus biformis
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Gymnospermae
Division:	Pinophyta
Class:	Pinopsida
Order:	Araucariales
Family:	Podocarpaceae
Genus:	Halocarpus
Species:	H. biformis
Binomial name
Halocarpus biformis (Hook.) C.J.Quinn
Synonyms
Dacrydium biforme (Hook.) Pilger Dacrydium colensoi Kirk Podocarpus biformis Hook.

Description

Halocarpus biformis is a species of dioecious evergreen conifer in the family Podocarpaceae. It can attain heights of 10 metres (33 feet),^[3] but is usually a low-spreading bush in open areas.^[4]

It has silvery-grey bark, with a reddish brown inner layer.^[3][4]

Taxonomy

The species was formerly known as Dacrydium biforme.^[5]

Distribution and habitat

Halocarpus biformis is found at higher elevations in the volcanic plateau of the North Island and at lower elevations of the South Island and Stewart Island. Usually grows between 600-1370m.^[6]

In Fiordland, it grows in damp sites in lowland forest.^[7]