About Podocarpus nivalis Hook.
Podocarpus nivalis Hook. typically grows as a spreading shrub 20 to 40 cm tall, but can also grow semi-erect to reach 2 to 3 m in height. Branches that come into contact with soil often root, and the species can form mats covering a few square metres. Its leaves are thick, rigid, and closely spaced, arranged in a spiral pattern. Mature leaves turn brownish green. Individual leaves measure 3–10 mm long and 2–2.5 mm wide, with a shape ranging from boat-shaped (naviculate) to ovate-linear. They may curve outwards or downwards, and have an obtuse or mucronate apex. This species is distributed in the North Island of New Zealand, south of Mt Hikurangi and Mt Pirongia, as well as throughout the South Island. It is one of the hardiest podocarps native to the Southern Hemisphere. It has survived temperatures as low as −25 °C (−13 °F) in the British Isles, and tolerates long periods under snow in its native habitat, where it grows near the tree line of New Zealand's high mountains. It requires high rainfall to grow well.
