Manoao

For the other New Zealand podocarp named manoao, see Halocarpus kirkii.

Manoao (/ˈmɑːnoʊaʊ/ MAH-noh-ow)^[2] is a monotypic genus in the family Podocarpaceae. The single species, M. colensoi, commonly known as manoao (from Māori), silver pine, Westland pine, or white silver pine, is endemic to New Zealand. Before 1996 it was classified in genus Dacrydium or Lagarostrobos, but has recently been recognised as a distinct genus; some botanists still treat it in Lagarostrobos on the basis that it is not phylogenetically distinct from that genus. In molecular phylogenetic analyses Manoao was found to be related to Parasitaxus (a parasitic and monotypic genus from New Caledonia) and Lagarostrobos (a single species from Tasmania when narrowly defined), but their exact relationships are unresolved.^[3]

Manoao
Manoao foliage
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:	Manoao Molloy
Species:	M. colensoi
Binomial name
Manoao colensoi (Hook.) Molloy

Manoao colensoi is a slow-growing evergreen tree up to 15 m (49 ft) in height, in shady, wet areas of New Zealand. It is a source of fine, straight and durable timber.

Distribution

M. colensoi can be found in the North Island from Te Paki southwards to Mount Ruapehu.^[4] However it is common only in the central North Island.^[4] It is also found in the western South Island.^[4]