He was very interested when I explained the concept to him,
thats when he went and showed me this trail on a map.
Podocarpus totara (totara) is a species of podocarp endemic
to New Zealand. It grows throughout the North Island and
northeastern South Island in lowland, montane and lower subalpine
forest at elevations of up to 600 m.
Description--
The totara is a medium to large tree which grows slowly to around
20 to 25 m, exceptionally to 35 m; it is noted for its longevity
and the great girth of its trunk. The bark peels off in papery
flakes, with a purplish to golden brown hue. The sharp, dull green
needle-like leaves are stiff and leathery, 2 cm long. This plant
produces highly modified cones with 2 to 4 fused, fleshy berry-like
juicy scales, bright red when mature. The cone contains one or two
rounded seeds at the apex of the scales.
The largest known living totara, the Pouakani Tree, near
Pureora in the central north island is over 35 meters tall and
nearly 4 meters in trunk diameter at breast height. Other large
trees are known in this area, while Whirinaki forest, to the East,
but also on deep recent volcanic soils, has groves of very tall
totara (>40m in height).
Cultivation and uses--
The wood is hard and straight-grained and very resistant to rot.
Due to its durability, totara wood was often used for fence posts,
floor pilings and railway sleepers. It is also prized for its
carving properties, and was the primary wood used in Maori carving.
It has been planted in the United Kingdom as far north as Inverewe,
Scotland.
This trail goes from one interesting tree to the next, even
through a glade of ferns which is really nice in the sunlight, the
track is fairly roughly cut, wear boots esp in winter as it will be
slippery in places---have fun!
Cache is a small container, placed in tree.