Rimu
Dacrydium cupressinumfam. Podocarpaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. D863 — Dacrydium cupressinum
Dacrydium cupressinumDacrydium cupressinumDacrydium cupressinumDacrydium cupressinumDacrydium cupressinumDacrydium cupressinumDacrydium cupressinumDacrydium cupressinumDacrydium cupressinumDacrydium cupressinumDacrydium cupressinumDacrydium cupressinumDacrydium cupressinumDacrydium cupressinum
IOverview
Overview
Rimu, scientifically known as Dacrydium cupressinum, is a coniferous tree native to the North and South Islands of New Zealand. This evergreen species thrives in partial sun or shade, requiring moist conditions and well-drained soil that is light (sandy) or medium in texture. It can grow up to 30 meters tall and is known for its edible fruit, which makes it a valuable resource in the region. Rimu's distinctive features include its conical shape and reddish-brown bark, which often flakes off in strips, revealing lighter inner layers.
Quick answers
What is Rimu?
Rimu, scientifically known as Dacrydium cupressinum, is a coniferous tree native to the North and South Islands of New Zealand. This evergreen species thrives in partial sun or shade, requiring moist conditions and well-drained soil that is light (sandy) or medium in texture.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Rimu thrives in partial sun to shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It grows best in hardiness zones 8-11 and can reach a height of 30 meters. For propagation, rimu seeds are typically sown directly into the ground after collection. The plant is native to New Zealand North and South islands and is edible, with its fruit being the part used.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
8-11
Mature size
30.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Rimu for the first time
8steps
Rimu is a hardy tree that can be grown as an ornamental plant, making it perfect for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
A Rimu sapling or seed, potting mix suitable for conifers, and a container with drainage holes.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is moist and warm enough for growth.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil mixed with sand or perlite. Ensure the container has adequate drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant a sapling into your prepared container, ensuring it is planted at the same depth as in its original pot.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and place the plant in partial shade to avoid direct sunlight.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Provide light shade during summer months and protect from strong winds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young plants to shape them, but Rimu is not typically harvested for its fruit.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, and exposing the plant to full sun are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Drink
Other uses:LightingTanninLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 2 native
Broader regions
native:New Zealand North, New Zealand South
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Podocarpaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Podocarpaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · d863d6d6-7336-482a-acc8-8cb6d5c6bf7d
Decision aid
Choosing between Rimu and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.