Podocarpus acutifolius, needle-leaved totara or Westland totara is endemic to the South Island, and is found in lowland to mountain forest from the Marlborough Sounds westward and south to South Westland. A very distinct and easily recognised species that is often local in its distribution and not often seen, and in cultivation is quite rear. In a garden situation it can be usually kept as a very compact shrubby habit of 1.5 - 1.8m but can often grow into a small tree of 4.6 - 9m tall that has quite ascending branches with very straight narrow linear needle-pointed leaves that can be quite yellowish to yellowish-brown colour that can intensify during very cold months. It is very hardy, will grow in most soils and can make quite a good hedge. Podocarpus acutifolius was discovered near the Buller River by T. Kirk in 1874.