Podocarpus nivalis (Alpine Totora)

Podocarpus nivalis (Alpine Totora) Details

Podocarpus nivalis, commonly known as Alpine Totora, is a NZ native shrub grows with a prostrate habit. It has small, leathery, olive-green leaves held on spreading branches that will often take root where they contact the soil. Small, green-white flowers are borne in summer and result in red berries in the autumn. It typically grows to 50 cm tall and 1 m wide, preferring a full sun position and a well-drained site. This shrub is very hardy and will tolerate alpine conditions, frost, dry periods, exposed sites, and wind. Podocarpus nivalis is commonly used as a groundcover, grown in alpine environments, or planted to help stabilise a bank.