Phyllocladus
aspleniifolius (Celery Top Pine) is a medium sized native tree
(rarely more than 30cm in diameter) found in rainforest or wet
forest and scrub. It is endemic to Tasmania and is found in most
high rainfall areas of the island, extending from sea level to
tree line. It is the only Australian species of this genus, but
other species occur in New Zealand, New Guinea and South-east Asia.
The genus is unique among conifers in having the branchlets
(complete with leaves) flattened into photosynthetic phylloclades.
These can be divided or lobed to varying degrees (see the photos).
The seedlings have needle leaves. The branches spread widely and
tend to curve upwards towards the ends. |