Emergents

Conifers are prominent in this usually discontinuous stratum, with rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum) the most common in a range of reasonably moist sites on flats, slopes and ridges. The light-demanding and droughttolerant totara (Podocarpus totara) favours stony river terraces and similar level areas, while kahikatea (Dacrjcarpus dacrydioides) prefers moister places often near streams. Miro (Prumnopitys ferruginea), the most shade tolerant of the conifers, and matai (Prumnopitys taxifolia) are not quite so tall as the three preceding species and are not always emergent. Miro occupies a similar range of sites to rimu, and matai is most abundant on fertile alluvial or volcanic ash soils. As totara, kahikatea and matai thrive on younger fertile soils they are most prominent during the first centuries of forest development.

Although not tall trees, at higher altitudes Hall's totara (Podocarpus hallii) and the attractive conical mountain cedar or kaikawaka (Libocedrus bidwillii) may be emergent above a low forest canopy.

Some flowering trees also contribute to this stratum: northern rata (Metrosideros robusta) because it commences its life on a rimu or other tall tree; pukatea (Laurelia novae-zelandiae) in association with kahikatea in moist places; and rewa rewa (Knightia excelsa). The last with its distinctive 'lombardy poplar' form is sometimes abundant on hill slopes, but usually in relatively young forests.

The emergent conifers range throughout the country. Of the three flowering trees rewa rewa and northern rata reach their southern limits in the northern South Island, while pukatea extends to Fiordland on the west.