Common Name:

General Information

Dacrydium novoguineense is an evergreen tree with ascending branches and numerous branchlets producing a dense rounded crown; it usually grows 20 - 30 metres tall, though some specimens can be as small as 1.5 metres. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 30 - 50cm in diameter, free of branches for 15 - 20 metres[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of wood and materials.
The widespread but scattered known occurrence of this species, with the subpopulations in part occurring on remote mountain ridges and summits, seems to preclude a threatened status. It is not a commercial timber tree and cutting occurs only locally and on a small scale. There is no indication of overall decline of the population. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australasia - New Guinea

Habitat

A canopy or emergent tree in open forest especially on mountain ridges, becoming a small tree amongst other scrub and tree ferns at the higher limits of its range; at elevations from 1,300 - 2,200 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Dacrydium novoguineense is able to tolerate occasional, short-lived temperatures falling to around -1°c to +4.4°c[]
This species is indifferent to soil types and occurs on clay, sand, quartzite and other rock debris as well as on peat[].
The plant often regenerates abundantly from seed after disturbance by fire, when it can become temporarily dominant in an area. Numbers are reduced later by competing trees and shrubs. There is in this respect a natural fluctuation in the numbers of individuals in the population[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The bark is used for insulating the walls of traditional houses[].

The timber of this species is used for building[].
The wood of the various Dacrydium species is jointly known as 'sempilor'. The basic description is as follows:-
The heartwood is buff in colour, sometimes with a pink tinge or golden brown; it is not differentiated from the sapwood. The texture is very fine and even; the grain straight. The wood is reputed to be weak; it is light to moderately heavy in weight; it is not durable and is subject to drywood termite attacks. It seasons well without serious degrade; shrinkage is very high; a slight to moderate twisting may occasionally occur. The wood works very easily; it produces a smooth and somewhat lustrous surface; gluing, nailing and peeling properties are satisfactory. A softwood, it should be suitable for decorative works and can be used for panelling, partitioning, veneers, plywood, joinery and furniture making[].

Propagation

The seed can be sown at any time of the year in a sandy soil in a warm greenhouse, though it is probably best sown as soon as it is ripe[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on until large enough to plant out.
Cuttings of half-ripe terminal shoots, 5 - 10cm long[].

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