Libocedrus plumosa New Zealand cedar | Kawaka

This guide is based on a literature review. It compiles information from various sources. Different sources may offer varying advice and findings.

Other known names

Mokopiko.

Propagation summary

Easy germination from fresh seeds. Uncertainties found with sowing to germination timeframe and long-term storage.

Seed propagation category

Moderate.

Seed collection

Cones and seeds mature in March (~ 1 year after cone initiation).(1)

Seed storage

Seeds do not store well.(2)

Seed dormancy

Around 4-8 months to first germination.(3)

Pre-sowing treatments

Cool-moist stratification for 2 months(2) (stratification is the process of chilling seeds to promote germination.)

Germination

Easily germinates from fresh seeds.(3)

Propagation techniques

Germinate in cool to moderate conditions.(2) Cuttings form calluses well and can take 2 years to form roots.(2)

Site sensitivity

Not tolerant to severe frosts.(3)

Research opportunity

Germination, seed storage, and vegetative propagation needs further investigation.

Information about the native seed profiles

All species names are in the following order: scientific name, common name, and Māori name. Names may vary by region. We have tried to use the most common names across New Zealand.

We have sourced photos from different websites and creators. We have used the images under different licences. These include Public Domain and Creative Commons licenses. For Libocedrus plumosa, the image details are:

The basis for each seed profile is a literature review carried out by Scion. Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service commissioned and worked on the review to produce a native seed catalogue. The full seed catalogue is on the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) website.

1.

Tomlinson, P B; Takaso, T; Cameron, E K (1993) Cone development in Libocedrus (Cupressaceae)—phenological and morphological aspects. American Journal of Botany 80, 649–659.

2.

Metcalf, L J (1995) The propagation of New Zealand native plants. Godwit; Auckland, New Zealand.

3.

New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. Libocedrus plumosa.  Accessed 17 October 2024.