How to Grow Matai

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Matai

Podocarpus totara

tree

Matai (also called black pine) is a large, slow-growing evergreen coniferous tree native to New Zealand, reaching heights of 60-100 feet. It produces small, flattened needle-like foliage and distinctive fleshy, purple-black berry-like fruits. Highly valued for its timber, longevity, and cultural significance in Māori traditions.

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Example Matai timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Matai
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Matai
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Matai dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of sunlight daily for best growth

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Water: Moderate watering when young; drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in first 2-3 years. Avoid waterlogging.

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Spacing: 240 inches

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Days to maturity: Not applicable - timber production takes 40-80+ years

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Planting depth: Plant seedlings at same depth as root ball; seeds 0.5-1 inch deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil; tolerates poor soils

pH: 5.5-7.5

Amendments:

Compost peat moss for sandy soils mulch for moisture retention

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 9b-11, prefers temperate to subtropical climates

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

1-2 years

Small upright plant with fine, flat needle-like foliage arranged in two ranks; delicate appearance

Protect from strong winds and frost; maintain consistent moisture; provide light shade in hot climates

Young Tree

3-10 years

Developing pyramidal form with increasing needle density; trunk thickens gradually

Continue regular watering; mulch base; prune lower branches if desired for shape; stakes may help wind resistance

Mature Vegetative

10-40 years

Large, dense evergreen tree with thick trunk and full canopy; may reach 40-60 feet

Minimal watering needed once established; prune only to remove dead wood; little fertilizer needed

Reproductive

Ongoing from maturity onwards

Tree produces small yellowish male cones and develops fleshy, purple-black berry-like female fruits (arils)

No special care required; fruits mature over 2 years; leave fruits for wildlife or seed collection

Old Growth

40+ years

Ancient tree with massive trunk, thick bark, and dense canopy; may live 600+ years

Protect from damage; no active care needed; monitor for disease or structural issues

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum) Kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides) Rata (Metrosideros robusta) Nikau palm (Rhopalostylis sapida) Native ferns (Cyathea spp.)

Avoid planting near:

Allelopathic plants that compete for water Plants requiring intensive water management Shallow-rooted trees competing for nutrients

Common Pests

Inspect regularly; prune affected branches; spray with horticultural oil if severe
Monitor for damage; remove affected wood; maintain tree vigor through proper care
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging; treat with fungicide if needed
Remove infected foliage; improve air circulation; fungicide in severe cases

Uses

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Premium Timber

Household

Matai wood is highly prized for furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and decorative items due to its fine grain, durability, and beautiful warm-brown color. It has been used in traditional Māori crafting and is extremely valuable commercially. [source]

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Native Bird Habitat

Wildlife

Mature matai trees provide essential habitat and food for native New Zealand birds such as tuis, bellbirds, and pigeons which feed on the fleshy fruits and use branches for nesting. [source]

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Cultural & Traditional Use

Craft

Matai holds deep cultural significance in Māori heritage and traditional arts. The wood has been carved and used in traditional crafts for centuries, making it valuable for cultural practitioners. [source]

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Windbreak & Shelter

Household

The dense foliage and substantial growth make matai excellent for establishing long-term windbreaks and privacy screens in exposed locations, once established. [source]

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Traditional Medicine

Medicinal

Indigenous Māori herbalism traditionally used parts of matai and related Podocarpus species for various remedies, though modern scientific validation is limited. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Matai is primarily grown for timber, which requires 40-80+ years of growth. Fruit (arils) can be collected when purple-black and fully ripe in autumn for seed propagation. Seeds may be slow to germinate and benefit from stratification (cold treatment).

Fun Facts

🌱 Matai trees can live over 600 years, with some ancient specimens being sacred to Māori people and recognized as cultural taonga (treasures)
🌱 The wood is so dense and durable that matai timber artifacts from pre-European contact have survived in good condition, demonstrating its exceptional rot resistance
🌱 Matai is part of the ancient Podocarpaceae family, which dominated Southern Hemisphere forests millions of years ago and is considered a 'living fossil'

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade

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