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Story: Conifers

Tōtara bark

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Tōtara bark

Tōtara has thick, stringy bark that peels off in long strips. In the past, the strips were used to splint limbs, thatch roofs, and were fashioned into containers.

Using this item

Department of Conservation

Reference: 10026387

by Les Molloy

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

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How to cite this page

Maggy Wassilieff, Conifers – Tōtara group, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/12658/totara-bark (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Maggy Wassilieff, published 1 March 2009.