Dacrydium comosum Corner

Shrub c. 2-4 m tall, 5 cm diam., on exposed ridge, to a tree at least 12 m tall. Densely branched with branches all turning upward and the aggregated tufts forming a nearly flat to umbrella-like crown. Juvenile leaves spreading perpendicular to the branch and then curving forward ± parallel with the branch, pungent, lanceolate, up to 33 mm long and c. 0.8 mm wide at the base, 0.2 mm thick, sharply keeled on the dorsal side, nearly flat or slightly concave on the axial side. Adult leaves similar to juvenile leaves except that the upper part is usually straight so that the apices are directed somewhat outward, 12-20 mm long, 0.6-1 mm wide but slightly expanded at the basal attachment, 0.2 mm thick. Fertile structures mostly lateral, subtended by a small cluster of reduced leaves which are c. 4 mm long. Pollen cones 8-10 mm long and c. 3 mm diam.; apex of the micro-sporophyll a narrow lanceolate spur 1.5-2 mm long and c. 0.5 mm wide. Seed-bearing structure consisting of several lanceolate bracts c. 2 mm long, one or two of which are usually fertile. The light brown, fully exposed seeds are 4-5 mm long.

Locally dominant on exposed mountain ridges in stunted mossy forest on rocky acidic soil or shallow peat; at elevations from 1,170-1,440 metres. Occasional individuals may grow in forest below the ridge and attain tree size to reach the canopy.

Can be grown by cuttings or seedlings.