Podocarpus totara ‘Aurea’

Podocarpus totara ‘Aurea’ has a growth habit similar to Podocarpus totara, but with more graceful branches and softer leaves. Its leaves emerge yellow-green in the spring before changing to yellow in the summer, and then deepening to golden-yellow in the winter. This species is very tough and can tolerate dry and windy conditions. It is easily trimmed to be used as a screen or hedge, and is an excellent choice as a street tree. Additionally, its yellow-green catkins, which appear in mid-spring to early-summer, are a source of pollen for bees. Podocarpus totara is evergreen and native to New Zealand. Learn more about Podocarpus totara. Podocarpus totara ‘Aurea’ is a hybrid betweeen Podocarpus totara and Podocarpus acutifolius. Podocarpus totara ‘Aurea’ was possibly first cultivated by James Yates who discovered a seedling growing in the bush in the early 1900s. James grew the seedling at his farm which was near Wharepūhunga in the Waikato district. In 1937, James wrote to Wellington about the Podocarpus totara ‘Aurea’ (which had grown into a lovely tree), and two horticulturists from Massey University came to view Podocarpus totara ‘Aurea’ in 1938 and returned with cuttings for propagation.