This small young totara tree was transplanted here at about 4 years old, originally grown from a seedling at the home site. The large tree in the background is a kahikatea.
Totara trees are found in forests throughout New Zealand, growing to 30m high with a trunk 2m across.
The bark of mature totara is thick, stringy and furrowed.
The wood is dense and resistant to fungal attack and was used in the early days for fencing and building material.