Formerly known as Red Pine, Native Rimu (Dacrydium Cupressinum) is a large evergreen coniferous tree endemic to New Zealand forests.

It is a member of the southern conifer group, the podocarps.

Historically, Native Rimu and other native trees such as kauri, matai and totara were the main sources of wood for furniture and construction. Recent government policies forbid the felling of these trees in public forests, though allowing limited logging on private land. Rimu grows throughout New Zealand, in the North Island, South Island and Stewart Island.

The largest concentration of Rimu is now found on the West Coast of the South Island. Rimu is the most widespread of all New Zealand forest trees and grows to heights of about 100 ft.

When the first people arrived from Polynesia, forest covered over 75% of New Zealand. The Maori people burned about 50% of this forest primary as a hunting technique. Not long after the turn of the 19th century, vast remaining areas of native forest were converted into pasture by later European settlers.

Native Rimu is now harvested on a sustainable basis and is a highly prized timber in New Zealand. Rimu is coveted for its soft rich and straight grain with a spectacular colour ranges from light brown, yellow through to a deep redish brown.