Practical
Plants

Libocedrus bidwillii

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Libocedrus genus in the family Cupressaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Growth rate
slow
Height
20 m
Fertility
Wind
Flower type
monoecious
Pollinators
Wind

Uses

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The wood is said to act as a deterrent to insects[1]. Wood - very durable, soft, easily worked. Used for constructing bridges, shingles etc[6][7].

Product or use
Repellent
Product or use
Wood

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Canopy

Environment

Range
New Zealand.
Habitat
Montane to sub-alpine forests in North and South Islands[5].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 8+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold greenhouse in late winter. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Requires a sheltered position in a good deep soil that is rich in humus[1]. This tree is possibly hardy in Britain[2]. A tree at Nymans in Sussex was 8 metres tall in 1970[3]. A slow-growing tree, it requires high humidity and protection from cold drying easterly winds[4]. The crushed leaves have a faintly sweet resinous scent[3].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩

  3. Mitchell. A. F. Conifers in the British Isles. HMSO 1975-00-00 ISBN 0-11-710012-9

    ↩1↩2

  4. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩

  5. Allan. H. H. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer, Wellington. 1961-00-00

    ↩

  6. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00

    ↩

  7. Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202

    ↩

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