Editing Podocarpus totara (section)

==Description==
The tōtara is a medium to large [[tree]], which grows slowly to around {{convert|20 to 25|m|abbr=off}} exceptionally to {{convert|35|m|abbr=on}}; it is noted for its longevity and the great [[Tree girth measurement|girth]] of its trunk. The [[Bark (botany)|bark]] peels off in papery flakes, with a purplish to golden brown hue. The sharp, dull-green, needle-like [[leaf|leaves]] are stiff and leathery, {{convert|2|cm|abbr=on}} long. This plant produces highly modified [[Conifer cone|cones]] with two to four fused, fleshy, berry-like, juicy scales, bright red when mature. The cone contains one or two rounded [[seed]]s at the apex of the scales.
[[File:Largest_known_living_tōtara,_the_Pouakani_Tree.jpg|thumb|Largest known living tōtara, the Pouakani Tree]]
[[File:Podocarpus totara Weheka MRD.jpg|thumb|A tōtara regenerating on farmland, Cook Flat, West Coast]]
The largest known living tōtara, the Pouakani Tree, near [[Pureora Forest Park|Pureora]] in the central North Island, is over {{convert|35|m|abbr=on}} tall and nearly {{convert|4|m|abbr=on}} in trunk diameter at breast height.<ref name="totara-history">{{cite book |last1=Simpson |first1=Philip |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zz8oDwAAQBAJ&dq=Podocarpus+totara&pg=PT725 |title=Totara: A Natural and Cultural History |date=19 June 2017 |publisher=Auckland University Press |isbn=978-1-77558-915-0 |language=en}}</ref> Bushmen discovered it in 1950.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/GISH19501031.2.41|title=News of the Day GISBORNE HERALD|date=31 Oct 1950|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|access-date=2020-03-29}}</ref> 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 tōtara (over {{convert|40|m|abbr=on}} in height).

Tōtara is often found regenerating on farmland, as it is not eaten by livestock.<ref name="Te Ara" />