Editing Dacrydium cupressinum

{{Short description|Species of tree in the family Podocarpaceae}}
{{good article}}
{{Redirect|Rimu}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=April 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = File:Lake Matheson Walk MRD 05.jpg
| image_caption = A mature ''D. cupressinum'' specimen in the South Island's [[West Coast Region]]
| image_alt = A mature Dacrydium cupressinum specimen rising above the canopy on the Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati Walk, several species can be seen the background, including epiphytes, which are plants that grow on other plants.
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = {{Sfn|Thomas|2013}}
| genus = Dacrydium
| species = cupressinum
| authority = [[Daniel Solander|Sol.]] ex [[Aylmer Bourke Lambert|Lamb.]]
| synonyms = {{center|''Thalamia cupressina'' <small>[[Kurt Polycarp Joachim Sprengel|Spreng]]</small>}}
| synonyms_ref =
}}

'''''Dacrydium cupressinum''''', commonly known as '''rimu''', is a species of tree in the family [[Podocarpaceae]]. It is a [[dioecious]] evergreen [[conifer]], reaching heights of up to {{convert|60|m|abbr=off}} with a stout [[trunk (botany)|trunk]] up to {{convert|2|m|abbr=on}} in diameter. It is [[endemism|endemic]] to New Zealand; its [[Species distribution|range]] covers the [[North Island|North]], [[South Island|South]], and [[Stewart Island]]s, and it typically inhabits lowland to montane forests. ''D. cupressinum'' has an estimated lifespan of 600–800 years, although it may live as long as 1,200 years.

''D. cupressinum'' has a distinctive [[flavonoid]] glycoside profile, and has twelve known [[sesquiterpene]]s, which include high-levels of the unique sesquiterpene terpene [[Chemical compound|compound]] of 9-epi-β-caryophyllene. ''D. cupressinum'' was first [[species description|described]] in 1786 by [[Daniel Solander]] and was later given a full description in 1803 by [[Aylmer Lambert]]. ''D. cupressinum''{{'}}s fruits are consumed by various birds such as: [[New Zealand bellbird|bellbirds]], [[kererū]], and the [[tūī]]. Its fruits also provide an important source of food and vitamins for the endemic flightless parrot, the [[kākāpō]], which will only [[mating|mate]] during years of heavy fruiting. ''D. cupressinum''{{'}}s [[ovule]]s are pollinated by the wind, and its seeds are later dispersed by gravity and frugivory. 

In [[Māori culture]], ''D. cupressinum'' is of great importance. ''D. cupressinum'' had several medicinal purposes for Māori, and the British missionary, [[Richard Taylor (missionary)|Richard Taylor]], described the fruit as "much prized" by the natives. In 1773, the British explorer, [[James Cook]], brewed the first native [[Beer in New Zealand|beer]] at [[Dusky Sound|Tamatea / Dusky Sound]], extracting the young tips of ''D. cupressinum''{{'}}s branches, to create what was known as "spruce beer". ''D. cupressinum''{{'}}s [[conservation status]] was assessed by the [[IUCN Red List]] in 2013 as "Least Concern", and its population trend was assessed as "Stable".

==Description==
''Dacrydium cupressinum'' (rimu) is a species of [[dioecious]] evergreen [[conifer]] in the family [[Podocarpaceae]],{{Sfn|Franklin|1968|p=1}} reaching heights of up to {{convert|60|m|abbr=off}} tall with a stout [[Trunk (botany)|trunk]] up to {{convert|2|m|abbr=on}} in diameter. Its trunk is usually smooth and cylindrical.{{Sfn|De Lange|2025}}{{Sfn|Franklin|1968|p=17}} Its [[Bark (botany)|bark]] is dark-brown in colour, shedding in large, thick flakes, while the wood is typically a dark-red colour.{{Sfn|Franklin|1968|p=1}}{{Sfn|De Lange|2025}} ''D. cupressinum'' has an estimated lifespan of 600–800 years, although it may live as long as 1,200 years.{{Sfn|Franklin|1968|p=7}}{{sfn|Norton|Herbert|Beveridge|1988|p=7}}

Juvenile [[branch]]es are numerous, slender, with [[wikt:pendulous|pendulous]] (hanging) branchlets. In adult specimens, there are fewer branches, spreading, with slender, pendulous branchlets. ''D. cupressinum''{{'}}s [[leaf|leaves]] differ in colour, from dark-green to bronze-green, red-green, or in some cases orange in colour, they are typically a yellowish-green colour and are [[wikt:keeled|keeled]] and [[wikt:imbricated|imbricated]] (or arranged in an overlapping pattern). Juvenile leaves measure 4–7–(10)&nbsp;millimetres in length and 0.5–1&nbsp;mm in width, they are acute, [[wikt:linear|linear]] (long and narrow) to [[wikt:subulate|subulate]] (slender), slightly curved, and [[wikt:subfalcate|subfalcate]] (vaguely sickle-shaped) in character.{{Sfn|De Lange|2025}}{{Sfn|Mirza|2005|p=568}} Subadult leaves are ascending, incurved, 4–6&nbsp;mm long, and is [[wikt:rhomboid|rhomboid]] (diamond-shaped) in character. Adult leaves are similar, but they are [[wikt:appressed|appressed]] (flattened down), measuring 2–3&nbsp;mm, rigid, and are [[wikt:triangular|triangular]].{{Sfn|Franklin|1968|p=1}}{{Sfn|De Lange|2025}} 

As a conifer, ''D. cupressinum'' does not have flowers, but instead has cones ([[strobili]]); male and female cones are first seen on subadult specimens. In male specimens, cones are solitary or paired, terminal, measuring 5–10&nbsp;mm, and are [[wikt:oblong|oblong]] (tectangular) in character, producing yellow pollen. Its [[ovule]]s are solitary and are positioned terminally on up-curved branchlets. Its [[Receptacle (botany)|receptacles]] form a fleshy cup that is red or deep-orange in colour and measures about 1–2&nbsp;mm in length. Its seeds are dark brown to black in colour, are tiny, and measure about 3–3.8–(4)&nbsp;mm in length.{{Sfn|De Lange|2025}}{{Sfn|Mirza|2005|p=568}}

Fruiting takes over a year to fully mature and often coincides with the presence of young female cones. Its fruits are most commonly seen between February and May.{{Sfn|De Lange|2025}} ''D. cupressinum'' is morphologically a distinctive species, although it is sometimes misidentified with the [[seedling]]s of ''[[Manoao colensoi]]'', which instead have glossier, less fine leaves.{{Sfn|De Lange|2025}} ''D. cupressinum'' has a [[Ploidy|diploid]] chromosome count of 20.{{Sfn|Franklin|1968|p=1}}

===Phytochemistry===
The foliage of ''D. cupressinum'' contains various [[sesquiterpene]]s, with their levels showing significant variation in specimens, which is similar to the differences observed in [[diterpene]] levels. There are twelve known sesquiterpenes in ''D. cupressinum'' that have been identified by a 1985 study, but none of which show any structural similarity to lauren-1-ene.{{sfn|Berry|Perry|Weavers|1985|p=1}} The distinctive diterpene lauren-1-ene has been identified only in the foliage of ''D. cupressinum'', however, the concentration of this [[chemical compound|compound]], along with other diterpenes, which also shows significant variation between specimens.{{sfn|Perry|Weavers|1985|p=1}}

''D. cupressinum'' contains high-levels of the unique sesquiterpene [[terpene]] compounds of 9-epi-β-caryophyllenes.{{sfn|Hinkley|Perry|Weavers|1994|p=1}} ''D. cupressinum'' also has a distinctive [[flavonoid]] glycoside profile; it possesses flavonol-3-O-rhamnoglucosides and also, to a lesser extent, 3-0-methyl-myricetin [[glycoside]]s.{{sfn|Markham|Webby|Molloy|Vilain|1988|p=9}}

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed" widths="215" heights="215">
File:Rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum) foliage and branchlets.jpg|Its [[leaf|leaves]] differ in colour, but are typically greenish-yellow, they are typically [[wikt:imbricated|imbricated]], or arranged in an overlapping pattern.|alt=An image of D. cupressinum's slender-like leaves and branchlets. The greenish-yellow leaves are linear-subulate and imbricated, meaning they are arranged in an overlapping pattern.
File:Dacrydium cupressinum (45986054132) (cropped).jpg|A mature specimen growing above the [[Canopy (biology)|canopy]] in a forest in the [[West Coast Region]] of the [[South Island]].|alt=A mature, relatively large, D. cupressinum specimen rises above the canopy in a native New Zealand forest. A few dead or dying trees are also visible in the background, similarly above the canopy.
File:Dacrydium cupressinum bark.jpg|Its [[bark (botany)|bark]] is dark-brown in colour, shedding in large, thick flakes, while the [[wood]] is a dark-red colour.|alt=The bark of D. cupressinum, it is dark-brown in colour, shedding in large, thick flakes. A few species of fungi are also visible on the bark.
File:Dacrydium cupressinum male cones (cropped).jpg|Its [[strobili]], or male cones, are solitary or paired, terminal, and they are typically red or deep-orange in colour.|alt=An image of D. cupressinum's slender leaves and its strobili (male cones), which are solitary or paired, terminal, and red or deep-orange in colour.
</gallery>

==Taxonomy==
{{cladogram|title=Phylogeny of ''Dacrydium''|
{{clade|style=font-size:90%;line-height:90%;width:300px
|1={{clade
 |1=''[[Dacrydium cupressinum|D. cupressinum]]'' <small>Solander ex Forster</small>
 |2={{clade
    |1={{clade
      |1=''[[Dacrydium balansae|D. balansae]]'' <small>Brongniart & Gris</small>
      |2={{clade
        |1=''[[Dacrydium nausoriense|D. nausoriense]]'' <small>de Laubenfels</small>
        |2={{clade
          |1={{clade
            |1=''[[Dacrydium araucarioides|D. araucarioides]]'' <small>Brongniart & Gris</small>
            |2=''[[Dacrydium nidulum|D. nidulum]]'' <small>de Laubenfels</small>
             }}
          |2={{clade
            |1=''[[Dacrydium guillauminii|D. guillauminii]]'' <small>Buchholz</small>
            |2=''[[Dacrydium lycopodioides|D. lycopodioides]]'' <small>Brongniart & Gris</small>
             }}
           }}
         }}
       }}
    |2={{clade
      |1={{clade
        |1={{clade
          |1=''[[Dacrydium elatum|D. elatum]]'' <small>(Roxburgh) Wallich ex Hooker</small>
          |2=''[[Dacrydium pectinatum|D. pectinatum]]'' <small>de Laubenfels</small>
           }}
        |2={{clade
          |1=''[[Dacrydium magnum|D. magnum]]'' <small>de Laubenfels</small>
          |2=''[[Dacrydium xanthandrum|D. xanthandrum]]'' <small>Pilger</small>
           }}
         }}
      |2={{clade
        |1=''[[Dacrydium gibbsiae|D. gibbsiae]]'' <small>Stapf</small>
        |2={{clade
          |1=''[[Dacrydium beccarii|D. beccarii]]'' <small>Parlatore</small>
          |2={{clade
            |1=''[[Dacrydium comosum|D. comosum]]'' <small>Corner</small>
            |2=''[[Dacrydium gracile|D. gracile]]'' <small>de Laubenfels</small>
             }}
           }}
         }}
       }}
     }}
  }}
}}
}}
''D. cupressinum'' was first [[species description|described]] in 1786 by European naturalists [[Daniel Solander]] and [[Georg Forster]], in their publication titled, ''De Plantis Esculentis Insularum Oceani Australis Commentatio Botanica''.{{Sfn|Forster|Solander|1786|p=80}}{{Sfn|POWO|2025}} The British botanist [[Aylmer Bourke Lambert|Aylmer Lambert]] provided a more comprehensive description in his 1803 work, ''A Description of the Genus Pinus''.{{Sfn|Lambert|Don|Bauer|1803|p=93}} It was given the name ''Thalamia cupressina'' by [[Kurt Polycarp Joachim Sprengel|Kurt Sprengel]] in an 1826 volume of [[Systema Vegetabilium|''Systema Vegetabilium'']].{{Sfn|POWO|2025}}{{Sfn|Linné et al.|1826}} ''D. cupressinum'' is the [[type species]] of the [[genus]] ''Dacrydium''.{{Sfn|De Lange|2025}} ''D. cupressinum''{{'}}s cladistic placement can be summarised in the [[phylogenetic tree]] at the right.{{sfn|Stull|Qu|Parins-Fukuchi|Yang|2021|p=15}}

===Evolution===

A 1998 study on the phylogeny of the Podocarpaceae family examined the evolution of ''D. cupressinum'' and various other species. The research identified it as sister to a [[clade]] consisting of various other Podocarpaceae species, including members of the genus ''[[Dacrycarpus]]''. This discovery revealed that ''D. cupressinum'' shares a common biological ancestor with these species, while maintaining its evolutionary uniqueness.{{Sfn|Kelch|1998}} A 2020 study argued that the ''[[Dacrydium]]'' genus originated in [[New Caledonia]], based on a historical biogeographic reconstruction. Despite this, macrofossil evidence "strongly supports" an [[Australasia|Australasian]] origin, and another study argues that ''Dacrydium'' originated in Australasia during the [[Late Cretaceous]] epoch and dispersed into [[Southeast Asia]] in the [[Early Oligocene]].{{sfn|Khan|Hill|Liu|Biffin|2023|p=41}}

===Etymology===
The [[etymology]] of ''D. cupressinum''{{'}}s genus, ''Dacrydium'', means 'tear drop' and the [[specific epithet]], ''cupressinum'', translates simply to 'cypress'. ''D. cupressinum'' is [[common name|commonly known]] as rimu and red pine.{{Sfn|Thomas|2013}}{{Sfn|De Lange|2025}} There are a few more names that Māori had for specific parts of the tree; for example, the heartwood was known as: {{lang|mi|kāpara}}, {{lang|mi|māpara}}, or {{lang|mi|ngāpara}}. Its fruit was known as "{{lang|mi|huarangi}}", and the seed inside the fruit was known as "{{lang|mi|matawhanaunga}}".{{Sfn|Manaaki Whenua|2020}}

==Ecology==
[[File:Strigops habroptilus 1-1c.jpg|220px|thumb|right|''D. cupressinum''{{'}}s fruits are an important food resource for the [[endemism|endemic]] flightless parrot, the [[kākāpō]].|alt=A large, greenish to yellowish coloured bird, called the kākāpō, can be seen standing on soil, and looking directly towards the camera.]]
''D. cupressinum''{{'}}s fruits are an important food and vitamin resource for the endemic flightless parrot, the [[kākāpō]] (''Strigops habroptilus''), which feeds on them.{{sfn|Von Hurst|Moorhouse|Raubenheimer|2016|p=1}} The fruits are particularly high in calcium and vitamins, kākāpō may have adapted to survive despite prolonged periods of limited access to calcium and vitamins. It is likely kākāpō seek out sources rich in these nutrients when their physiological needs are heightened, such as during reproduction in females or growth in chicks.{{sfn|Chatterton|Pas|Alexander|Leech|2017|p=6}} A 2006 study recorded that female individuals would [[forage]] on ''D. cupressinum'' specimens, and would even climb trunks to collect up to {{convert|500–600|g|abbr=on}} of ripened fruit for a single chick every day.{{sfn|Von Hurst|Moorhouse|Raubenheimer|2016|p=2}} The kākāpō will only [[mating|mate]] during years of heavy fruiting.{{sfn|Von Hurst|Moorhouse|Raubenheimer|2016|pp=2–3}}{{sfn|Dawson|Lucas|Connor|Brownsey|2011|p=61}}

Its seeds are [[Biological dispersal|dispersed]] by gravity and by [[Frugivore|frugivory]].{{sfn|Norton|Kelly|1988|p=3}} These seeds are well-adapted to be dispersed by birds; the primary birds that disperse the seeds include: [[New Zealand bellbird|bellbirds]] (''Anthornis melanura''), [[kererū]] (''Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae''), and the [[tūī]] (''Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae'').{{Sfn|Franklin|1968|pp=4–5}}{{sfn|Norton|Herbert|Beveridge|1988|p=2}} Other birds, such as [[white-eye]]s (''Zosterops lateralis'') and [[house sparrow]]s (''Passer domesticus''), also feed on the fruits fleshy receptacles. Excrements of the [[wētā]] (''Hemedeina thoracica'') are frequently found in [[seed trap]]s, which could indicate that wētā consume the seeds of ''D. cupressinum''.{{Sfn|Franklin|1968|p=15}} The most common [[fungi]] associated with ''D. cupressinum'' are ''[[Armillaria novae-zelandiae]]'' and ''[[Ganoderma applanatum]]'', and to a lesser extant, ''[[Rigidoporus concrescens]]''.{{Sfn|Hood|2012|p=1}}

''D. cupressinum'' serves as a [[Host (biology)|host]] for numerous vascular [[epiphyte]]s, which are plants that grow on other plants. One of the most prominent species in the North Island and northern South Island,  is ''[[Metrosideros robusta]]'', which takes root in the trees, extending its roots downward to reach the ground. Over time, it can eventually replace its host as the original tree succumbs to old age or suppression.{{Sfn|Franklin|1968|p=16}} ''D. cupressinum'' also serves as a [[Host (biology)|host]] for two beetle species, ''Euderia squamosa'' and ''Sommatidia antarctica'', both of which lay their eggs and feed on the tree.{{Sfn|Franklin|1968|p=15}}{{sfn|Morgan|1960|pp=1–2}} Despite these two beetles sharing similar life cycles, certain distinguishing features allow for the differentiation between their infestations and association with the species.{{sfn|Morgan|1960|pp=2}}

===Phenology===
''D. cupressinum''{{'}}s ovules are pollinated by the wind.{{Sfn|Franklin|1968|pp=4–5}} ''D. cupressinum''{{'}}s seeds typically remain dormant for at least 30 days and sometimes much longer prior to [[germination]].{{sfn|Norton|Herbert|Beveridge|1988|p=5}} 
A 1964 study estimated that a "mature vigorous" individual would possess about {{convert|18|kg|abbr=on}} of ripe seeds and receptacles or {{convert|1.8|kg|abbr=on}} of clean sound seed, producing about 200,000 seeds.{{Sfn|Franklin|1968|p=7}} The seed [[Ripening|ripens]] between March and May, about 15–18 months following pollination and are later dispersed for over 1–2 months, although infertile seeds may continue to be released for a significantly longer duration.{{Sfn|Franklin|1968|pp=4–5}} The seedlings will not establish themselves where there is moderate to severe [[Size-asymmetric competition|root competition]] and a moderately dense [[canopy (biology)|canopy]] because of under low light intensities.{{Sfn|Franklin|1968|pp=4–5}}

The growth rates of ''D. cupressinum'' can vary significantly, especially in its early stages. Height growth often occurs at the expense of diameter growth, with saplings under {{convert|10|cm|abbr=on}} in diameter reaching up to {{convert|12|m|abbr=on}} tall. In open conditions, annual increments can be {{convert|15–30|cm|abbr=on}} in height and {{convert|1–3|cm|abbr=on}} in diameter, but growth slows in shaded forest environments, with seedlings growing {{convert|1–2|cm|abbr=on}} per year.{{Sfn|Franklin|1968|p=7}}

==Distribution==
[[File:Rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum) near Haupiri.jpg|220px|thumb|right|alt=A dense, native New Zealand forest, with a river in the foreground of the image and a mountain range in the background. D. cupressinum is the predominant species in the forest, with lesser components of mataī (Prumnopitys taxifolia) and halls tōtara (Podocarpus laetus).|''D. cupressinum'', along with other predominantly conifer species, growing along the banks of the [[Haupiri River]] in the West Coast Region.]]

''D. cupressinum'' is [[endemic]] to New Zealand. Its [[Species distribution|range]] covers the [[North Island]], [[South Island]], and [[Stewart Island]]. In the South Island, it is uncommon, or not present, in parts of the eastern side of the island, it is almost entirely [[extinction|extinct]] on the [[Banks Peninsula]], where only a single natural specimen remains.{{Sfn|De Lange|2025}} ''D. cupressinum'' was previously common around the town of [[Little River, Banks Peninsula|Little River]].{{Sfn|Franklin|1968|p=10}} In the South Island, ''D. cupressinum''{{'}}s range predominantly covers the western side of the island, and it is largely not present in: [[Canterbury Region|Canterbury]], [[Marlborough District|Marlborough]], [[Otago]], and more generally, the inland South Island.{{Sfn|Franklin|1968|p=10}}{{sfn|Norton|Herbert|Beveridge|1988|p=9}}

''D. cupressinum'' was likely naturally not present in only a few specific areas of the North Island prior to European colonisation, which included: [[Tongariro National Park]], [[Kaingaroa Forest]], and the southern parts of [[Hawke's Bay]].{{Sfn|Franklin|1968|p=10}} On the eastern side of the South Island, its presence is scattered, particularly in the areas in between [[Blenheim, New Zealand|Blenheim]] and [[Waikouaiti]]. ''D. cupressinum'' does occur, however, in smaller groups, such as in [[Ashley Forest]], the [[Hunters Hills]], the [[Kaikōura Ranges]], and only a few other locales.{{Sfn|Franklin|1968|p=10}}

===Habitat===
''D. cupressinum'' typically inhabits lowland to [[Montane ecosystem|montane]] forests, it sometimes inhabits near [[Montane_ecosystem#Subalpine_zone|subalpine]] scrub.{{Sfn|De Lange|2025}} ''D. cupressinum'' is a dominant or codominant emergent tree in mixed conifer or conifer-angiosperm forests reaching elevations of up to {{Convert|700|m|abbr=on}} above sea level. ''D. cupressinum'' is commonly associated with other conifers in its natural habitat, such as: kauri (''[[Agathis australis]]''), and tōtara (''[[Podocarpus totara]]''), as well as [[angiosperm]]s, which could include: taraire (''[[Beilschmiedia tarairi]]'') and various ''[[Metrosideros]]'' species.{{Sfn|Thomas|2013}} ''D. cupressinum'' has a very wide climatic range and can grow in most soil contents.{{Sfn|Franklin|1968|p=10}}

==Uses==
{{quote box|... this fruit is much prized by the natives, and the smallness of the size is made up by its abundance; this tree produces a resin very bitter, but eatable. The wood also possesses the same qualities, an infusion might be used for beer.|—[[Richard Taylor (missionary)|Richard Taylor]], 1847|width=25em |align=right}}
''D. cupressinum'' has played a significant role in both the Māori and European cultures of New Zealand. In 1773, the British explorer, [[James Cook]], brewed the first native [[Beer in New Zealand|beer]] at [[Dusky Sound|Tamatea / Dusky Sound]], extracting the young tips of the branches of ''D. cupressinum'' to create what was known as "spruce beer".{{Sfn|De Lange|2025}}{{Sfn|Kirk|1889|p=31}}

The British missionary, [[Richard Taylor (missionary)|Richard Taylor]], published a book on the cultural and natural history of New Zealand plants in 1848. Taylor mentioned that ''D. cupressinum''{{'}}s fruit was "much prized" by the natives and an infusion of the wood was used for crafting beer.{{Sfn|Taylor|1848|p=95}} ''D. cupressinum'' was also a significant source of [[timber]] in New Zealand because the species was present throughout many lowland areas of the country.{{Sfn|Thomas|2013}}{{Sfn|Franklin|1968|p=16}}

===In Māori culture===
''D. cupressinum'' is of great importance to Māori.{{Sfn|Taylor|1848|p=95}} Its fruit is abundant during each fruiting season, and served as a significant food source to Māori.{{Sfn|Manaaki Whenua|2020}}{{Sfn|Kirk|1889|p=31}} The timber of ''D. cupressinum'' was crafted into both war [[spear]]s and hunting spears. ''D. cupressinum'' also possessed some [[Rongoā Māori|medicinal purposes]] to Māori, such as, its gum ([[sap]]) is very "astringent" and was used as a [[styptic]] to stop bleeding from [[wound]]s. Its bark was utilised for [[decoction]] to treat wounds, and the inner parts of the bark were crushed into a pulp to treat [[burn]]s. Its leaves was used to treat sores.{{Sfn|Manaaki Whenua|2020}} Another name Māori used for the tree was {{lang|mi|puaka}}, which the ethnographer [[Elsdon Best]] documented was used by the [[Te Arawa]] tribe (or known as [[iwi]] in Māori).{{Sfn|Best|1907|p=237}}

==Conservation==
''D. cupressinum''{{'}}s [[conservation status]] was assessed by the [[IUCN Red List]] in 2013 as "Least Concern", and its population trend was assessed as "Stable".{{Sfn|Thomas|2013}} Its assessment in the [[New Zealand Threat Classification System]] was evaluated in 2023 as "Not Threatened".{{Sfn|De Lange|2025}} As a native tree, ''D. cupressinum'' is protected from [[logging]] under law and its natural regeneration is vigorous in locations with mature trees and is further supported by [[revegetation]] efforts.{{Sfn|Thomas|2013}} The current threats that ''D. cupressinum'' possesses are [[introduced species]], such as [[deer]] and [[Common brushtail possum in New Zealand|possums]].{{Sfn|Thomas|2013}}

==See also==
{{Portal|New Zealand}}
*[[List of trees native to New Zealand]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Works cited==
'''Books'''
{{Refbegin|30em}}
* {{Cite book |last=Best |first=Eldson |date=1907 |title=Maori Forest Lore: being some Account of Native Forest Lore and Woodcraft, as also of many Myths, Rites, Customs, and Superstitions connected with the Flora and Fauna of the Tuhoe or Ure-wera District. |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/TPRSNZ1907-40.2.9.1.15 |publisher=[[Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand]] |volume=40 |pages=180–200}}
* {{cite book |last=Dawson |first=John |last2=Lucas |first2=Rob |last3=Connor |first3=Jane |last4=Brownsey |first4=P. J. |title=New Zealand's Native Trees |publisher=[[Potton & Burton]] |publication-place=Nelson, New Zealand |date=2011 |isbn=978-1-877517-01-3}}
* {{Cite book |last=Forster |first=Georg |url=http://archive.org/details/deplantisesculen34914gut |title=De Plantis Esculentis Insularum Oceani Australis Commentatio Botanica |last2=Solander |first2=Daniel |others=Project Gutenberg |year=1786 |page=80 |via=the [[Internet Archive]]}}
* {{Cite book |title=The Forest Flora of New Zealand |last=Kirk |first=Thomas |year=1889 |location=Wellington, New Zealand |publisher=George Didsbury, Government Printer |url=https://archive.org/details/forestfloranewz00kirk |via=the [[Internet Archive]]}}
* {{Cite book |last=Lambert |first=Aylmer Bourke |url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/98773 |title=A description of the genus Pinus: illustrated with figures, directions relative to the cultivation, and remarks on the uses of the several species |last2=Don |first2=David |last3=Bauer |first3=Ferdinand |date=1803 |publisher=J. White |volume=1 |location=London, United Kingdom |pages=93}}
* {{Cite book |last=Linné |first=Carl von |url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/189135 |title=Systema vegetabilium |last2=Sprengel |first2=Kurt Polycarp Joachim |last3=Sprengel |first3=Anton |date=1826 |publisher=sumtibus Librariae Dieterichianae |volume=3 |location=Gottingae |ref={{SfnRef|Linné et al.|1826}}|page=890}}
* {{Cite book|last=Mirza|first=Umair|url=https://archive.org/details/batemannewzealandencyclopedia6thedition|title=New Zealand Encyclopedia|publisher=David Bateman|year=2005|isbn=1869536010|location=New Zealand|via=the [[Internet Archive]]|access-date=4 November 2024|edition=6th}}
* {{Cite book |title=A Leaf from the Natural History of New Zealand or, a vocabulary of its different productions &c. [et cetra], with their native names.. |last=Taylor |first=Richard |publisher=Robert Stokes |year=1848 |location=Wellington, New Zealand |url=http://api.digitalnz.org/records/32108643/source |via=the [[National Library of New Zealand]]}}
{{Refend}}
'''Journals'''
{{Refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite journal |last=Berry |first=Katherine M. |last2=Perry |first2=Nigel B. |last3=Weavers |first3=Rex T. |title=Foliage sesquiterpenes of ''Dacrydium cupressinum'': identification, variation and biosynthesis |journal=[[Phytochemistry (journal)|Phytochemistry]] |volume=24 |issue=12 |date=20 June 1985 |doi=10.1016/0031-9422(85)80022-4 |pages=2893–2898 |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/0031942285800224 |url-access=subscription |access-date=24 April 2025}}
* {{cite journal |last=Chatterton |first=J |last2=Pas |first2=A |last3=Alexander |first3=S |last4=Leech |first4=M |last5=Jakob-Hoff |first5=R |last6=Jensen |first6=Bp |last7=Digby |first7=A |title=Concentrations of calcium and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (vitamin D 3) in plasma of wild kākāpō (''Strigops habroptilus'') living on two islands in New Zealand |journal=New Zealand Veterinary Journal |volume=65 |issue=4 |date=4 July 2017 |issn=0048-0169 |doi=10.1080/00480169.2017.1314795 |pages=198–203 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00480169.2017.1314795 |url-access=subscription |access-date=29 April 2025}}
* {{cite journal |last=Franklin |first=D. A. |title=Biological flora of New Zealand: 3. ''Dacrydium cupressinum'' Lamb. (Podocarpaceae) Rimu |journal=[[New Zealand Journal of Botany]] |volume=6 |issue=4 |date=2 September 1968|issn=0028-825X |doi=10.1080/0028825X.1968.10428587 |doi-access=free |pages=493–513 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0028825X.1968.10428587 |access-date=24 April 2025}}
* {{cite journal |last=Hinkley |first=Simon F.R. |last2=Perry |first2=Nigel B. |last3=Weavers |first3=Rex T. |title=Confirmation of structure and absolute stereochemistry of 9-epi-β-caryophyllene from ''Dacrydium cupressinum'' |journal=[[Phytochemistry (journal)|Phytochemistry]] |volume=35 |issue=6 |date=19 April 1994 |doi=10.1016/S0031-9422(00)86882-X |pages=1489–1494 |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S003194220086882X |url-access=subscription |access-date=24 April 2025}}
* {{cite journal |last=Hood |first=Ia |title=Fungi decaying fallen stems of rimu (''Dacrydium cupressinum'', Podocarpaceae) in southern Westland, New Zealand |journal=[[New Zealand Journal of Botany]] |volume=50 |issue=1 |date=19 September 2012 |issn=0028-825X |doi=10.1080/0028825X.2011.643474 |doi-access=free |pages=59–69 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/0028825X.2011.643474?needAccess=true&role=button |access-date=25 April 2025}}
* {{cite journal |last=Kelch |first=Dean G. |title=Phylogeny of Podocarpaceae: comparison of Evidence from Morphology and 18s rDNA |journal=[[American Journal of Botany]] |volume=85 |issue=7 |date=1 July 1998 |issn=0002-9122 |doi=10.2307/2446365 |doi-access=free |pages=986–996 |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.2307/2446365 |access-date=26 April 2025}}
* {{cite journal |last=Khan |first=Raees |last2=Hill |first2=Robert S. |last3=Liu |first3=Jie |last4=Biffin |first4=Ed |title=Diversity, Distribution, Systematics and Conservation Status of Podocarpaceae |journal=[[Plants (journal)|Plants]] |volume=12 |issue=5 |date=3 March 2023 |issn=2223-7747 |doi=10.3390/plants12051171 |doi-access=free |page=1171 |pmc=10005643 }}
* {{cite journal |last=Markham |first=Kenneth R. |last2=Webby |first2=Rosemary F. |last3=Molloy |first3=Brian P. J. |last4=Vilain |first4=Christian |title=Support from flavonoid glycoside distribution for the division of ''Dacrydium'' sensu lato |journal=[[New Zealand Journal of Botany]] |volume=27 |issue=1 |date=10 March 1988 |issn=0028-825X |doi=10.1080/0028825X.1989.10410139 |doi-access=free |pages=1–11 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/0028825X.1989.10410139?needAccess=true |access-date=25 April 2025}}
* {{cite journal |last=Morgan |first=F. David |title=Two Beetles from the Bark Scales of Rimu (''Dacrydium cupressinum'' Soland.) |journal=New Zealand Entomologist |volume=2 |issue=5 |date=1960 |issn=0077-9962 |doi=10.1080/00779962.1960.9722790 |pages=24–25 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00779962.1960.9722790 |url-access=subscription |access-date=15 May 2025}}
* {{cite journal |last=Norton |first=D. A. |last2=Herbert |first2=J. W. |last3=Beveridge |first3=A. E. |title=The ecology of ''Dacrydium cupressinum'': a review |journal=[[New Zealand Journal of Botany]] |volume=26 |issue=1 |date=25 February 1988 |issn=0028-825X |doi=10.1080/0028825X.1988.10410098 |doi-access=free |pages=37–62 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/0028825X.1988.10410098?needAccess=true |access-date=24 April 2025}}
* {{cite journal |last=Norton |first=D. A. |last2=Kelly |first2=D. |title=Mast Seeding Over 33 Years by ''Dacrydium cupressinum'' Lamb. (rimu) (Podocarpaceae) in New Zealand: The Importance of Economies of Scale |journal=[[Functional Ecology (journal)|Functional Ecology]] |volume=2 |issue=3 |date=1 July 1988 |doi=10.2307/2389413 |page=399 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/2389413?origin=crossref |url-access=subscription |access-date=25 April 2025}}
* {{cite journal |last=Perry |first=Nigel B.|last2=Weavers |first2=Rex T.|title=Infraspecific variation of foliage diterpenes of ''Dacrydium cupressinum'' |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031942200830162 |url-access=subscription |journal=[[Phytochemistry (journal)|Phytochemistry]] |publisher=Elsevier BV |volume=24 |issue=10 |year=20 March 1985 |issn=0031-9422 |doi=10.1016/s0031-9422(00)83016-2 |pages=2233–2237}}
* {{cite journal |last=Stull |first=Gregory W. |last2=Qu |first2=Xiao-Jian |last3=Parins-Fukuchi |first3=Caroline |last4=Yang |first4=Ying-Ying |last5=Yang |first5=Jun-Bo |last6=Yang |first6=Zhi-Yun |last7=Hu |first7=Yi |last8=Ma |first8=Hong |last9=Soltis |first9=Pamela S. |last10=Soltis |first10=Douglas E. |last11=Li |first11=De-Zhu |last12=Smith |first12=Stephen A. |last13=Yi |first13=Ting-Shuang |title=Gene duplications and phylogenomic conflict underlie major pulses of phenotypic evolution in gymnosperms |journal=[[Nature (journal)|Nature]] |volume=7 |issue=8 |date=19 July 2021 |issn=2055-0278 |doi=10.1038/s41477-021-00964-4 |doi-access=free |pages=1015–1025 |url=https://europepmc.org/article/med/34282286 |access-date=25 April 2025}}
* {{cite journal |last=Von Hurst |first=P.R. |last2=Moorhouse |first2=R.J. |last3=Raubenheimer |first3=D. |title=Preferred natural food of breeding Kakapo [''sic''] is a high value source of calcium and vitamin D |journal=[[The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology]] |volume=164 |date=31 October 2016 |doi=10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.10.017 |pages=177–179 |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0960076015301199 |url-access=subscription |access-date=24 April 2025}}
{{Refend}}
'''Websites'''
{{Refbegin}}
* {{Cite web |last=De Lange |first=Peter |date=2025 |title=''Dacrydium cupressinum'' |url=https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/dacrydium-cupressinum/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128230850/https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/dacrydium-cupressinum/ |archive-date=28 January 2025 |access-date=24 April 2025 |website=[[New Zealand Plant Conservation Network]] |language=en}}
* {{cite iucn |first=P. |last=Thomas |date=2013 |title=''Dacrydium cupressinum'' |volume=2013 |page=e.T42448A2981038 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42448A2981038.en |doi-access=free |access-date=19 November 2021}}
* {{cite web |title=''Dacrydium cupressinum '' Sol. ex G.Forst. |via=[[Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew]] |website=[[Plants of the World Online]] |url=https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60471363-2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202193943/https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60471363-2 |archive-date=2 December 2024 |url-status=live |ref={{sfnref|POWO|2025}} |access-date=26 April 2025}}
* {{Cite web |title=Ngā Rauropi Whakaoranga — ''Dacrydium cupressinum''. Rimu. |url=https://rauropiwhakaoranga.landcareresearch.co.nz/names/b5202660-5914-42c9-ac6f-a6fcee0b8258 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130155635/https://rauropiwhakaoranga.landcareresearch.co.nz/names/b5202660-5914-42c9-ac6f-a6fcee0b8258 |archive-date=30 January 2025 |website=[[Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research]] |year=2020 |ref={{SfnRef|Manaaki Whenua|2020}}}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
* {{commons category-inline}}

{{Taxonbar|from=Q382469}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Dacrydium|cupressinum]]
[[Category:Endemic flora of New Zealand]]
[[Category:Trees of New Zealand]]
[[Category:Trees of mild maritime climate]]
[[Category:Least concern plants]]
[[Category:Plants used in traditional Māori medicine]]