SafePlants

Celery Pines (Phyllocladus)

The genus Phyllocladus, commonly known as celery pines, comprises a small group of coniferous trees and shrubs. These plants are noted for their unique foliage and ecological roles in their native habitats.

Considerations for Pets

• Some species have needle-like leaves on seedlings.
• The text mentions potential uses of the wood for boat building and interiors, suggesting its presence in environments accessible to pets.

Considerations for Children

• Some species have needle-like leaves on seedlings.
• The text mentions potential uses of the wood for boat building and interiors, suggesting its presence in environments accessible to children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Phyllocladus
• Common Names: Celery Pine, Celery-top Pine, Tanekaha (for Phyllocladus trichomanoides)
• Family: Podocarpaceae (typically treated in this family, but historically sometimes placed in Phyllocladaceae)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to New Zealand and Tasmania, Australia.
• Phyllocladus aspleniifolius is an endemic gymnosperm of Tasmania.
• Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Tanekaha) is native to New Zealand, found in the North Island from Northland to Taranaki.
• Found in rainforests, and lowland forests.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Long-lived trees and shrubs.
• Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Tanekaha) can grow up to 20 meters in height.
• Instead of true leaves, they possess flattened branches called phylloclades that resemble fern fronds or celery leaves.
• Young twigs may have tiny scales. Seedlings may have needle-like leaves.
• Phyllocladus alpinus is an evergreen shrub growing up to 9 meters at a slow rate.
• Phyllocladus trichomanoides has attractive mottled grey-brown bark.

Quirky Facts

• The name *Phyllocladus* is derived from the Greek words 'phyllon' (leaf) and 'clados' (branch), referring to the leaf-like branchlets (phylloclades).
• One curator at Dunedin Botanic Garden has "a strong aversion to celery, but certainly not to the celery pine."

Ecological Role

• The global population is declining due to logging and deforestation.

Uses

• Celery-top pine wood is used in boat building, joinery, turnery, and interiors due to its durability and workability.
• Celery Top Pine's growth is regular and symmetrical.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden (website with gardening tips and ideas)
• Dictionary.com (for definitions and synonyms)
• WoodSolutions (for information on celery top pine wood)
• Encyclopedia.com (for dictionary information)