Kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides)

Family: Podocarpaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft 8in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet taste, it is palatable but with a slightly oily taste. — A sweet taste, it is palatable but with a slightly oily taste.; Also used as a masticatory (this last report probably refers to the use of the resin).; A resin is obtained from the tree, it is used as a chewing gum.

Habitat & North American Range

Lowland forest, often dominant in swamp forests, North, South and Stewart Islands. (Zone 8)