Forest giant

When the arborists came, nearly two weeks ago now, one of the trees they removed was a non-native which was taking light and nutrients away from other trees. It looked like it had been a living Christmas Tree which had been planted some time ago.

Its removal has opened up a clear view to a large Kahikatea (also called white pine). These trees can grow very tall (at least 60 m; the tallest of New Zealand trees) and live for 600 years.These trees are common in riverine and swamp forests, and my father used to call them swamp pines. The timber was very useful to early immigrants from the United Kingdom, and as their preferred habitat was also ideal land for dairy farming, such land was drained after the trees were felled.

Kahikatea support many smaller plants in their branches and those epiphytes provide an environment for birds and other creatures. Up to 100 different species have been recorded on a single Kahikatea.

We are fortunate to have one one our land (just inside the boundary) and it appears to be a mature tree so likely over 100 years old. Where it is growing is on the rim of a hollow which serves to help 'manage' downpours like we have just had. It is a beautiful tree.