Buxus, also known as boxwood, is a popular evergreen shrub that has been grown in gardens and landscapes for centuries. Known for its dense green foliage and slow growth habit, this versatile plant has been used in a variety of ways throughout history. From shaping into elegant topiaries to dividing garden beds, buxus has proven […]
NZ Lancewood: A Unique and Resilient Tree The NZ Lancewood or horoeka (Pseudopanax crassifolius) is a unique and fascinating tree that is indigenous to New Zealand. This tree is also commonly known as the “tough as nails” tree, which is a nod to its impressive strength and resilience. There are three different species of lancewood.
The Griselinia littoralis: A Plant That Does it All If you’re in search of a plant that can do it all, look no further than Griselinia littoralis. This evergreen shrub, also known as Kapuka or New Zealand Broadleaf, is native to New Zealand and has become a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers around the
The Timber Giant The slow growing Kauri is one of the ancient podocarps that is among the tallest and oldest in the world. The scientific family, ‘Araucariaceae’ of this tree predates back to the Jurassic era around 150m years ago and is found only in the Southern Hemisphere. Of the Agathis Genus, there are only
Totara Being one of the great Podocarps, the Totara tree is a the lord of the forest and has its been converted since first settlement in New Zealand. Referred to as ‘a chiefly tree’ due to its impressive 30m hight, the great girth of its trunk and high quality timber. The word Totara is derived
You have heard of rata and obviously pohutukawa, but what’s the actual difference between these trees? More so, is there even a difference between the northern and southern rata, and if so, where can I plant them? The difference between Northern rata, Southern rata & Pohutukawa All three comes from the same Genus – Metrosideros
Macrocarpa Originally from California, same area as the Radiata pine, the Macrocarpa shelter belt was originally introduced into New Zealand in the 1860′. It has become a NZ feature in the landscape as it is also good for decorative timbers and firewood, efficiently heating homes for decades. Outperforming Radiata in coastal environments, this is where
The Southern Rata and Pohutukawa are some of New Zealand’s most recognized and beloved trees. The bursting crimson red flowers around Christmas has earned them both the spot of our New Zealand Christmas tree, but how do you tell them apart from each other? First it is worth acknowledging they are the same Genus. There