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Coniferæ.
The conditions necessary to the successful cultivation of New Zealand Coniferœ differ much from those which mark the usual routine of fine culture; a certain degree of moist shade and shelter is requisite; that this is absolutely necessary anyone can ascertain who will take the trouble of observing the natural habits of the various species, and the peculiar conditions attending the growth of young plants. As an instance, the group of Podocarpi may be mentioned, the seedlings and young plants are mostly to be found growing under the moist shelter of a variety of shrubby undergrowth, of which the Ngaio frequently forms a large proportion; here they may be said to hide themselves, as it were, from the cold blasts of winter and the scorching rays of the noontide sun in summer time, presenting lively green shades of foliage, seldom, if ever, to be met with in an open exposure. In one word, if our native Conifer are treated in the same manner under which exotic pines flourish, the result will be disappointment and perhaps disgust, as the number
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of casualties are enumerated, the occurrence of which might be fairly attributed to drying off.
Dammara australis, Lambert. This noble tree is, par excellence, the Queen of the New Zealand forests, as it has been aptly termed. In this southern latitude, as yet, we have been unable to acclimatize it successfully; it is of slow growth even at the Hutt; we imagine that judging from the extreme localization of this magnificent Conifer, its cultivation is attended with difficulty; probably certain incidents of soil, shelter, and aspect, are indispensable to success. According to Paxton, the Kauri reaches the height of 400 feet.
Libocedrus Doniana, Endl. This beautiful Conifer may still be found in Banks' Peninsula, though rare; in the Otira Gorge it may be found in great numbers; young plants can be removed safely, but require shade and shelter; some are growing here in quite exposed situations, but it should be noted that numbers have died from want of shelter; the handsome foliage of this Conifer (not very unlike that of Arbor vitœ) will repay the grower for extra care and attention; rich soil, not too wet, appears most suitable.
Libocedrus Bidwillii, Hook. We have observed some fine specimens growing on Mounts Sinclair and Fitzgerald; in its habit of growth it preserves a rounder form than that of the preceding species.
Podocarpus ferruginea, Don. This excellent timber tree, called the Miro, seems to flourish both in valleys and on hill-sides; shade and shelter is requisite for young plants; soil, if moist, must not be absolutely wet.
Podocarpus nivalis, Hook. f. One of the hardy inhabitants of the Southern Alps, where it may be observed battling successfully with a rigorous climate; we have rarely noticed it with a straight stem; plants of this slow-growing species are greener in foliage than specimens of P. Totara, the leaf also is much shorter; however hardy its constitution may be, young plants require shelter; they may be transplanted safely without much trouble.
Podocarpus Totara, A. Cunn. Well known as one of the most valuable of the forest trees of the country. This species does well, and makes rapid growth under cultivation; it may be transplanted without difficulty, can be propagated by cuttings, for which purpose care should be taken to select slips from leading shoots. A variety of Totara has broader leaves, thinner bark, and wood which is said by bushmen to be of tougher quality.
Podocarpus spicata, Br. Mai or Mataii, the well known Black Pine, which settlers find useful for so many purposes. Robust as the tree becomes in its adult state, we have experienced great difficulty in cultivating young plants; without shade or shelter it seems an almost hopeless undertaking.
Podocarpus dacrydioides, Rich. Kahikatea, or White Pine, luxuriates in deep alluvial soil in shady situations; if exposed, the foliage exchanges its green hue for dull brown tints; in a dry position its growth is exceedingly slow; can be removed with safety; grows well from seed.
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Dacrydium cupressinum, Soland. The graceful drooping foliage of the Rimu is, perhaps, unsurpassed in beauty by that of any other native Conifer; it requires a moist and rather sandy soil, with abundance of shelter; it should be removed carefully, in order that the rootlets may not become too dry.
Dacrydium Colensoi, Hook. In very exposed positions this tree or shrub maintains a dense habit of growth, perhaps 6 to 10 feet in height; in more favoured situations it approaches the dimensions of a fair-sized tree.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides, Don. This singular looking North Island pine grows freely; it merits a place in plantations of forest trees from the contrast it affords by its curious purplish-tinged foliage.
Phyllocladus alpinus, Hook. f. In its native state it withstands the rigour of most inclement winter seasons; its close growth, conical form, and the silvery appearance of its foliage, make this species a most interesting object when seen amongst the rocks of its rugged mountain home. It is slow growing; may be removed without difficulty; can be propagated by cuttings, or may be increased by layers.