About Libocedrus bidwillii Hook.f.
Libocedrus bidwillii Hook.f. is an evergreen coniferous tree that grows up to 25 m tall, with a trunk that can reach up to 2.5 m in diameter. Its foliage is arranged in flattened sprays; the leaves are scale-like, measuring 1.5–2 mm long and 1 mm broad, and are arranged in opposite decussate pairs on the shoots. The seed cones are cylindrical, 8–12 mm long, with four scales each bearing a prominent curved spine-like bract. These scales are arranged in two opposite decussate pairs around a small central columella; the outer pair of scales is small and sterile, while the inner pair is large, and bears two winged seeds. Seed cones mature roughly six to eight months after pollination. The pollen cones are 2.5–5 mm long. Its timber is rarely available commercially. When cut, the timber is very light in weight and has a distinct light purple color. Small dimension cut timber is prone to spiral and twist as it dries. This timber is sometimes used for lightweight sailing boat construction, and it glues well and holds ring nails effectively. This tree grows in both the North and South Islands of New Zealand; in the North Island, it occurs from Te Aroha southward. It grows at altitudes between 250–1,200 m in temperate rainforests, and it is not found on Stewart Island.
