Halocarpus biformis

Halocarpus biformis
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1) [1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Gymnospermae
Division:	Pinophyta
Class:	Pinopsida
Order:	Araucariales
Family:	Podocarpaceae
Genus:	Halocarpus
Species:	H. biformis
Binomial name
Halocarpus biformis (Hook.) C.J.Quinn
Synonyms
Dacrydium biforme(Hook.) Pilger Dacrydium colensoiKirkPodocarpus biformisHook.

Halocarpus biformis, commonly known as yellow pine or pink pine, is a coniferous tree endemic to New Zealand. It yields a tight-grained, sweet-smelling, and extremely durable wood. ^[2]

Description

Halocarpus biformis is a species of dioecious evergreen conifer in the family Podocarpaceae. It can attain heights of 10 metres (33 feet), ^[3] but is usually a low-spreading bush in open areas. ^[4]

It has silvery-grey bark, with a reddish brown inner layer. ^{[3] [4]}

Taxonomy

The species was formerly known as Dacrydium biforme. ^[5]

Distribution and habitat

Halocarpus biformis is found at higher elevations in the volcanic plateau of the North Island and at lower elevations of the South Island and Stewart Island. Usually grows between 600-1370m. ^[6]

In Fiordland, it grows in damp sites in lowland forest. ^[7]

References

1. Farjon, A. (2013). "Halocarpus biformis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2013 e.T42479A2981977. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42479A2981977.en . Retrieved 20 November 2021.
2. "Halocarpus biformis". The Gymnosperm Database. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
3. "Halocarpus biformis". New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
4. "Halocarpus biforme - Faculty of Science - The University of Auckland". web.auckland.ac.nz. Archived from the original on 8 February 2013. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
5. "Flora of New Zealand | Taxon Profile | Halocarpus biformis". www.nzflora.info. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
6. Metcalf, L. J. (2002). A photographic guide to trees of New Zealand. Auckland, N.Z: New Holland. ISBN   978-1-877246-57-9.
7. Peat, Neville; Patrick, Brian (2005). Wild Fiordland: discovering the natural history of a world heritage area (Revised ed.). Dunedin, New Zealand: University of Otago Press. ISBN   978-1-877372-27-8.

Further reading

• Pink pine, yellow pine, Halocarpus biforme, New Zealand Plants, the University of Auckland