alpine totara

noun

Meaning

A small, shrubby coniferous tree native to the subalpine and alpine zones of New Zealand, known for its dense, needle-like foliage and ability to survive in harsh, windswept environments.

Examples

  • The alpine totara is a common sight among the rocky outcrops of the Southern Alps.
  • Unlike its larger forest-dwelling relatives, the alpine totara rarely grows taller than a few meters.

Synonyms: shrub, conifer, podocarp