Podocarpus nivalis, commonly known as mountain totara or snow tōtara, is a low-growing evergreen conifer native to New Zealand, naturally found in alpine and subalpine regions throughout both the North and South Islands. It forms a dense, spreading to shrubby habit with small, stiff, dark green leaves that may develop bronze tones in colder weather. As a conifer, it does not produce true flowers, instead bearing small reproductive cones with fleshy red receptacles on female plants. Podocarpus nivalis tolerates wind, snow, and dry conditions once established. It is commonly used in alpine gardens, native revegetation, rock gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes, valued for its toughness and compact form.