Totara leaves are linear and sharp pointed, almost needle-like. These are not eaten by livestock so make great hedge plants and is often found regenerating on farmland edges. br/br/Tōtara (Podocarpus totara) is a podocarp tree endemic to New Zealand. It grows throughout the North Island and northeastern South Island in lowland, montane and lower subalpine forest at elevations of up to 600 metres asl in areas where the soil is well drained. It is a medium to large tree, noted for its longevity and the great girth of its trunk growing up to 30-35 metres high.