Family: Podocarpaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Prumnopitys taxifolia (mataī, black pine) is a conifer native to New Zealand, where it grows in lowland and montane forests. It is a slow-growing evergreen tree that can reach impressive heights, with dark, fissured bark and dense, fine foliage. Instead of typical cones, it produces small fleshy, berry-like seed structures that are eaten and dispersed by native birds. The wood of mataī has historically been highly valued for its strength, durability, and attractive grain, and the species is also used in ecological restoration and occasionally as an ornamental tree in suitable climates.

Risks & Threats
This species is generally considered low risk outside its native range. It is not known to be invasive in Hawaiʻi or other tropical island environments, and its slow growth and specialized reproduction make it unlikely to spread aggressively. Seed dispersal depends largely on birds, and successful naturalization outside New Zealand has been rare. While it is well-suited for cultivation in managed landscapes, it does not currently present significant ecological threats under typical planting conditions.

High Risk Traits:

• Potentially allelopathic
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Juvenile trees are Shade-tolerant
  
• Moderately flammable and may increase fire risk where grown
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds and intentionally by people

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but no evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Palatable to goats, but not preferred browse of cattle, sheep or deer
  
• Ornamental
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Dioecious
  
• Long time to reproductive maturity (20+ years)
  
• Does not resprout after fires