Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly known as the tÃÂnekaha or celery pine, is a coniferous tree endemic to New Zealand.
TÃÂnekaha is a medium-sized forest tree growing up to in height and 1 m trunk diameter. The main structural shoots are green-skinned for 2âÂÂ3 years, then turn brown as the bark thickens. The leaves are sparse, tiny, scale-like, 2âÂÂ3 mm long, and only green (photosynthetic) for a short time, soon turning brown.
Most photosynthesis is performed by phylloclades, highly modified, leaf-like short shoots; these are arranged alternately, 10âÂÂ15 on a shoot, the individual phylloclades rhombic, 1.5âÂÂ2âÂÂ5 cm long. The seed cones are berry-like, with a fleshy white aril surrounding but not fully enclosing the single seed.
In the North Island, this species is found in lowland forests from Te Paki to 40ðS. In the South Island, this species is found in northern Marlborough and Nelson to 41ð30'S.
This species plays host to the New Zealand endemic beetle Agapanthida morosa.
Like the kauri, tÃÂnekaha shed their lower branches, producing smooth straight trunks and knot-free timber which is sought after for its strength.
The bark is rich in tannin, from which MÃÂori extracted a red dye.