Podocarpus totara or totara is endemic to the North and South Islands where it is common throughout, also found but extremely scarce on Stewart Island near Freshwater River. It is found in lowland, montane and lower subalpine forest where it can be widespread and at times an abundant tree. In some forest areas it can also become the dominant  large tree species. It is a robust dioecious conifer up to 30 m+ tall with a stout trunk 2-3 m diameter that is clad in thick, corky, furrowed and somewhat stringy reddish-grey bark. As a mature tree the trunk can be without branches at base, with stout branches starting sometimes 5m's up that are erect to spreading. It flowers from (August-) October (-December) then fruits that can take a year or so to ripen, and may be found throughout the year, usually peaking at about the same time that cones are produced. They are most frequently seen between April and May.  The distinctive red, somewhat oily wood was the timber of preference for use by Maori for constructing canoes (waka), and carvings. The stringy bark was harvested to make bags in which to hold preserved birds.