Podocarpus laetus

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

Podocarpus laetus is a species of conifer in the family Podocarpaceae, commonly known as Hall's tōtara, mountain tōtara or thin-barked tōtara.^[2] Previously known as Podocarpus hallii and Podocarpus cunninghamii,^[3] in 2015 it was realised that the much earlier name P. laetus has priority.^[4] Its common name results from the species being named after J. W. Hall, a New Zealand pharmacist.^[2]

Podocarpus laetus
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. laetus
Binomial name
Podocarpus laetus Hooibr. ex Endl.
Synonyms
Podocarpus hallii Podocarpus cunninghamii

It is found only in New Zealand. It can be found growing in both montane and subalpine forests but less common in lowland forests.^[2]

Hall's tōtara, Hinewai, New Zealand

Hall's tōtara foliage

Hall's tōtara bark is thin and flaky compared to that of P. tōtara

P. laetus is distinguished from the more widely known lowland tōtara by its thinner bark,^[5] longer juvenile leaves and distribution at higher altitudes.^[6][7]

P. laetus plays host to the endemic insects Ambeodontus tristis and Oemona hirta.^[8]