Podocarpus laetus is a species of conifer in the family Podocarpaceae, commonly known as Hall's tōtara, mountain tōtara or thin-barked tōtara.[2] Previously known as Podocarpus hallii and Podocarpus cunninghamii,[3] in 2015 it was realised that the much earlier name P. laetus has priority.[4] Its common name results from the species being named after J. W. Hall, a New Zealand pharmacist.[2]
| Podocarpus laetus | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Gymnospermae |
| Division: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Araucariales |
| Family: | Podocarpaceae |
| Genus: | Podocarpus |
| Species: | P. laetus |
| Binomial name | |
| Podocarpus laetus Hooibr. ex Endl. | |
| Synonyms | |
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It is found only in New Zealand. It can be found growing in both montane and subalpine forests but less common in lowland forests.[2]
P. laetus is distinguished from the more widely known lowland tōtara by its thinner bark,[5] longer juvenile leaves and distribution at higher altitudes.[6][7]