Genus Halocarpus

Species in the genus Halocarpus of plants

Tarwood - It is an evergreen shrub favouring both bogs and dry stony ground, seldom growing to more than 3.5 m high. The leaves are scale-like on adult plants, 1-2 mm long, arranged spirally on the shoots; young seedlings and occasional shoots on older plants have soft strap-like leaves 5-10 mm long and 1-1.5 mm broad. The seed cones are highly modified, berry-like, with a white aril surrounding the single 2-3 mm long seed.

Alpine tarwood - Halocarpus biformis, known commonly as yellow pine or pink pine, is a coniferous tree endemic to New Zealand. The tree can attain heights of 10m, but in open areas is usually a low spreading bush. It is found at higher elevations in the volcanic plateau of the North Island and at lower elevations on the South Island and Stewart Island. The species was formerly known as Dacrydium biforme.

Halocarpus kirkii

Halocarpus kirkii - Halocarpus kirkii or Monoao was formerly known as Dacrydium kirkii. It is forest tree endemic to New Zealand. When seen at a distance, it resembles a small Kauri in its overall appearance. It can be usually distinguished by its juvenile foliage, which often remains on the lower branches until the tree grows to approximately 10 metres tall. The tree ultimately reaches a height of about 25 metres, with a trunk up to 1 metre thick and grey-brown bark that has a rough, pustular texture. The pale reddish-brown wood is strong and durable.