The Most Popular Tree in New Zealand, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the tree you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:52
In New Zealand, the diversity of trees adds a unique character and essence to its landscapes. Enthusiasts and locals often debate which species stands out as the most cherished, affecting decisions in gardening, conservation, and even tourism. Knowing the favorite tree can help prioritize protective measures and inspire planting trends.
By participating in this ranking, readers contribute their voice to a collective effort that helps shape environmental awareness and action. This listing not only reflects public opinion but also influences future policies and educational initiatives aimed at preserving New Zealand's natural heritage.
What Is the Most Popular Tree in New Zealand?
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159votes
Alexander Carroll · CC BY-SA 3.0The Kauri tree is an iconic tree in New Zealand and the largest of all New Zealand trees. It has been used for thousands of years by the Māori people for various purposes.The Kauri Tree (Agathis australis) is a native evergreen coniferous tree that is found in the northern regions of New Zealand. It is one of the most iconic and largest trees in the country, known for its grandeur and longevity.- Scientific Name: Agathis australis
- Height: Up to 50 meters (164 feet)
- Diameter: Up to 16 meters (52 feet)
- Age: Can live for over 2,000 years
- Wood: Highly valued for its quality and durability
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232votesThe Pohutukawa tree is known as the New Zealand Christmas tree, as it blooms with bright red flowers during the Christmas season. It is also a symbol of summer and the beach in New Zealand.The Pohutukawa tree, also known as the New Zealand Christmas tree, is a native evergreen tree that is iconic to New Zealand. It belongs to the Myrtaceae family and is scientifically called Metrosideros excelsa. This tree is known for its vibrant red flowers that bloom during the New Zealand summer (December-January), hence earning the name 'Christmas tree'. The Pohutukawa tree is native to the northern parts of New Zealand and can be found along the coastal areas, cliffs, and sandy beaches.
- Scientific Name: Metrosideros excelsa
- Family: Myrtaceae
- Common Names: Pohutukawa Tree, New Zealand Christmas Tree
- Origin: New Zealand
- Flower Color: Bright red
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326votes
Kahuroa · Public domainThe Totara tree is a native tree of New Zealand and is known for its durability and strength. It was used by the Māori people to build canoes and other structures.Totara is a majestic evergreen tree native to New Zealand, specifically found in the North Island and the northern parts of the South Island. It is well-known for its large size and beautiful appearance, making it a popular choice in landscaping and reforestation efforts. The Totara tree belongs to the conifer family and can reach heights of up to 25 meters, with a trunk diameter of 1-2 meters. Its bark is thick and rough, with a reddish-brown color that adds to its visual appeal. The leaves are dark green and scale-like, while the branches are typically spreading and drooping.- Height: Up to 25 meters
- Trunk diameter: 1-2 meters
- Bark color: Reddish-brown
- Leaf color: Dark green
- Leaf type: Scale-like
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427votes
Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia · Public domainThe Rimu tree is another native tree of New Zealand and is known for its straight and tall trunk. It was used for furniture and building materials in the past.The Rimu Tree, botanically known as Dacrydium cupressinum, is a native coniferous tree species found in New Zealand. It is one of the most popular and iconic trees in the country. The Rimu Tree is known for its large size, distinct columnar shape, and reddish-brown bark. It has dark green, needle-like leaves that grow in spirals along its branches. The tree produces small, oval-shaped cones that contain winged seeds.- Scientific Name: Dacrydium cupressinum
- Height: Up to 50 meters
- Trunk Diameter: Up to 2 meters
- Bark Color: Reddish-brown
- Leaf Type: Needle-like
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514votes
Gerald · CC BY-SA 3.0The Manuka tree is known for its medicinal properties and is used to make Manuka honey. It is also used for its wood and as a landscaping plant.The Manuka tree, also known as Leptospermum scoparium, is a small evergreen shrub or tree native to New Zealand. It belongs to the myrtle family and can reach a height of up to 10 meters. The tree is characterized by its dense, bushy growth habit and small leaves that have a strong aroma when crushed. It produces beautiful, abundant flowers that range in color from white to pink. The Manuka tree is highly valued for its medicinal properties and is an important part of New Zealand's biodiversity.- Scientific Name: Leptospermum scoparium
- Height: Up to 10 meters
- Family: Myrtaceae
- Leaf Type: Evergreen
- Leaf Aroma: Strong when crushed
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613votesThe Kahikatea tree is the tallest tree in New Zealand and is found in wetland areas. It was used by the Māori people for canoes and for building houses.The Kahikatea Tree, also known as the New Zealand white pine, is a majestic evergreen tree native to New Zealand. It belongs to the coniferous Podocarpaceae family and can grow up to 60 meters tall. The tree is characterized by its straight, slender trunk and narrow crown.
- Height: Up to 60 meters
- Trunk Diameter: 1-2 meters
- Crown Shape: Narrow
- Leaves: Needle-like, arranged spirally
- Bark: Smooth and grey to brown
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710votesThe Nikau palm is the only palm tree native to New Zealand and is found in the North Island. It is used as a landscaping plant and for its edible fruit.The Nikau Palm is a native palm tree species that is widely considered as the most iconic tree in New Zealand. It is characterized by its tall slender trunk, topped by a graceful crown of large, fan-shaped leaves. The Nikau Palm can grow up to a height of 15-20 meters and has a lifespan of approximately 100 years. Its trunk is typically smooth and grey, covered in the distinctive scars left behind by falling fronds.
- Scientific Name: Rhopalostylis sapida
- Height: 15-20 meters
- Lifespan: Approximately 100 years
- Trunk Color: Smooth grey
- Leaf Type: Fan-shaped
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85votesThe Silver fern is not technically a tree, but it is a popular symbol of New Zealand and is often used in logos and sports teams. It is also used in traditional Māori medicine.The Silver Fern is a symbol of New Zealand and a famous tree that holds significant cultural and historical importance. It is not an actual tree, but rather a distinctive and easily recognizable fern leaf with a silver-white color.
- Scientific Name: Cyathea dealbata
- Height: 2 to 10 meters
- Leaves: Long, slender fronds with white undersides
- Habitat: Native to New Zealand forests
- Meaning: Symbolizes strength, purity, and resilience
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98votesThe Tōtara is a large tree found in the North Island and is often used for carving and building.Tōtara is a species of evergreen tree native to New Zealand. It belongs to the cypress family and can be found in various regions throughout the country. The Tōtara tree is known for its impressive size, durability, and longevity, making it one of the most revered and popular trees in New Zealand's natural landscape.
- Scientific Name: Podocarpus totara
- Height: Up to 25 meters
- Trunk Diameter: Up to 2.5 meters
- Life Span: 800 - 1,200 years
- Foliage: Needle-like, dark green leaves
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105votesThe Lancewood is a native tree of New Zealand and is known for its unusual shape and long, narrow leaves. It was used by the Māori people for weapons and tools.The Lancewood (Pseudopanax crassifolius) is a distinctive tree native to New Zealand. It is known for its unique and striking appearance, which includes a slender trunk, narrow drooping leaves, and long, lance-shaped leaves at the crown.
- Conservation Status: Not threatened
- Scientific Name: Pseudopanax crassifolius
- Height: Up to 10 meters
- Trunk: Slender and smooth
- Leaves: Narrow and drooping
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular tree
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Native vs. introduced speciesAre the trees native to New Zealand or have they been introduced from other parts of the world?
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Importance to the ecosystemDo the trees play a vital role in the ecosystem, such as providing food or shelter for native wildlife or helping to prevent soil erosion?
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Cultural significanceAre the trees important to Indigenous communities in New Zealand, or do they have a special place in the country's history or culture?
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Aesthetic appealAre the trees visually appealing, either through their distinctive shape, foliage, or flowers?
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AvailabilityAre the trees widespread and easily accessible across the country, or are they more restricted to certain regions or habitats?
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular tree in New Zealand. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or tree is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1474 views
- 198 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each tree once every 24 hours. The rank of each tree is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular tree in new zealand
New Zealand is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, with over 80% of its native trees found nowhere else in the world. The country's temperate climate and varied terrain provide ideal conditions for a wide variety of tree species to thrive. Among the most popular trees in New Zealand are the Kauri, Pohutukawa, Rimu, Totara, and Kahikatea. Each of these trees has unique characteristics and plays an important role in the country's ecosystem and culture. The most popular tree in New Zealand, however, is a matter of debate and varies depending on the region and personal preference. Through StrawPoll, we aim to gather insights and opinions from people across the country to determine the most popular tree in New Zealand.
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