Podocarpus acutifolius

For other plant species also known as tōtara, see List of plants known as tōtara.

Podocarpus acutifolius, commonly known as needle-leaved tōtara, is a species of conifer in the family Podocarpaceae.^[2] This species is endemic to New Zealand.

Podocarpus acutifolius
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:	Podocarpus
Species:	P. acutifolius
Binomial name
Podocarpus acutifolius Kirk

Etymology

The specific epithet, acutifolius, meaning "thorny leaves", is derived from Latin acutus (pointed, acute), and -folius (-leaved), and refers to the characteristic shape of the leaves.^[3]

Distribution

This species is found in the South Island from northern Marlborough westward and south to southern Westland.^[4] Its natural habitat is lowland and montane forest and scrub.^[4]