A few days ago we were showing farmstay guests around here at Struan Farm, talking about our efforts to grow and plant native trees. We were explaining that there are male and female totara trees, and pointed out the tree from which last year we've grown 1,000 seedling trees (so far). We mentioned that the female trees are meant to fruit every two years according to "Totara: A Natural and Cultural History" by Philip Johnson.
And then I looked closely at the tree. It's fruiting again this year! It seems Mr. Johnson stands to be corrected.
It's already starting to drop seeds on the ground below. John had intended to spread some soil to help them along, so he'll need to hop to it. I'll also go out and check the other 2-3 female trees I noticed last year to see if they're fruiting/seeding too.
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