Libocedrus is a genus of five species of coniferous trees in the cypress family Cupressaceae, native to New Zealand and New Caledonia.|

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! Image !! Scientific name !! Distribution

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||| Libocedrus austrocaledonica <small>Brongn. & Gris</small> || New Caledonia

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|120px || Libocedrus bidwillii <small>Hook.f.</small> || North + South Islands of New Zealand

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| || Libocedrus chevalieri <small>J.Buchholz</small> || Poindimié, Mt. Humboldt, + Mt. Kouakoué in New Caledonia

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|120px || Libocedrus plumosa <small>(D.Don) Druce</small> || North + South Islands of New Zealand

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| || Libocedrus yateensis Guillaumin || Povila, Bleue-Yaté river, + Ouinné river in New Caledonia

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The two New Zealand species, known individually by their Māori names kawaka (Libocedrus plumosa) and pāhautea (Libocedrus bidwillii), are sometimes called New Zealand cedars. No common names have been recorded for the three New Caledonian species.

Uses

The wood of Libocedrus is soft, moderately decay-resistant, and with a spicy-resinous fragrance. The two New Zealand species are also grown as ornamental plants.

References

  • Gadek, P. A., Alpers, D. L., Heslewood, M. M., & Quinn, C. J. 2000. Relationships within Cupressaceae sensu lato: a combined morphological and molecular approach. American Journal of Botany 87: 1044–1057. Abstract .
  • New Zealand Plant Conservation Network, URL: Libocedrus bidwillii. Accessed 2010-10-04.
  • New Zealand Plant Conservation Network, URL: Libocedrus plumosa. Accessed 2010-10-04.
  • Arboretum de Villardebelle. URL: Cone photos. Accessed 14 May 2007.
  • Gymnosperm Database, URL;Libocedrus. Accessed 14 May 2007.
  • Libocedrus, New Zealand Cedar