Rimu tree
Rimu can live for 1000 years or more. They used to dominate the New Zealand landscape. The trees can grow to a height of 20-35m with some growing to a height of 60m and a trunk diameter of 1.5m. Rimu's scientific name is Dacrydium cupressinum rimu, some other names for rimu are red pine, huarangi, puaka or Southern conifer.
Rimu wood was used the most after the Second World War when people needed new houses. The meaning of Rimu is tall New Zealand timber tree. Rimu is mostly used for furniture.
This is the most common and widespread native tree of New Zealand. It can be found in lowland and mountain forest on the North, South, and Stewart Islands.
Male and female cones on trees take 15 months to become bright red. They also take 18 months to mature.They make a food source to the animals in the forest, birds eat the seeds and spread them around the landscape.
Some Rimu trees were already 250 years old when the first people came to these islands. Rimu is a valued wood. Rimu is an excellent timber. It turns well and allows a high class finish. Rimu is most used for furniture. It was used to build new houses after world war 2.
James Cook's crew made rimu beer when they were at Dusky Sound Fiordland in March 1773.
