Kahikatea

Kahikatea is New Zealand’s tallest native tree, often found in swampy lowland forests.

Appearance:

• Soft, feathery foliage
• Straight trunk with flaky bark
• Small red‑orange fruit that attract birds

Growth:

• Typically grows 40–60 m tall
• Trunk diameter can reach 1–2 m
• Prefers moist soils and wetland margins

Uses:

Kahikatea is valued for its timber and ecological role in wetland ecosystems.

For regeneration and restoration projects, Kahikatea is a versatile native species which can be planted in the secondary stage along wetland edges and in floodplains.

Cultural & Historical Notes:

Māori valued Kahikatea for its bright koroi berries, which were gathered as a sweet seasonal food. The timber, though soft, was still used for simple tools and carving.