Common Name: Silver Pine

General Information

Manoao colensoi is an evergreen tree with a broadly pyramidal crown on young trees, becoming rounded, with large and steeply ascending main branches as it ages. It grows up to 20 metres tall with a trunk that is often strongly tapered around 70cm (occasionally to 100cm) in diameter[].
The tree used to be harvested from the wild for local use as a source of wood, though harvest of this species and other native trees is now illegal in New Zealand.
Despite some historical exploitation, Manoao colensoi still occupies much of its recent historic range and there is no evidence of continuing decline. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

New Zealand - North, South and Stewart Islands

Habitat

Lowland conifer-dominated rainforest; at elevations from near sea level to around 950 metres[]. Lowland to montane forests between latitudes 35 and 45°s, on North and South Islands[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	0.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Manoao colensoi is only hardy in the milder areas of the temperate zone[]. A tree at Borde Hill in Sussex (zone 7) was 2 metres tall in 1970[].
Requires a light, freely draining soil[] in a sheltered position with protection from cold winds[]. Requires high rainfall and humidity if it is to succeed[]. A shade tolerant plant, it grows in the wild on well developed soils of volcanic or igneous origin with good drainage[]. This species tolerates shade and probably requires it in drier areas if the tree is to survive. It requires warm summers if it is to grow well, and even then it can be very slow growing[].
A dioecious species, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
An unusual character of this species is its ability to regenerate and to spread via horizontal underground stems[, ]

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Wood - firm, compact, even grained. Used for cabinet work, construction, making agricultural implements etc[].
The wood is dense and compact, but it is not heavy. It is strong and does not shrink when seasoned. It takes a high polish. The wood is sometimes beautifully figured or mottled and is then highly prized for cabinet making and for furniture[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a freely draining compost. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 20°c[]. Another report says that the seed can be very slow to germinate and that it is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[]. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. 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.
The tree produces suckers from horizontal underground stems[].