Key to Poplars and Willows
in New Zealand

'Kaimai'

• 0. Poplar or Willow?
• Looks like a poplar -> Poplar - 1. Crown shape
• Narrow crown (or uncertain) -> 2. Bark
• Bark is rough -> 4. Bark and form
• Bark finely ribbed, ribs roughly parallel -> 7. Crown and dominance
• Narrow crown, leaves ovoid, vulnerable to rust, occasional large branch -> 'Kaimai'

Populus deltoides x P. ciliataNZ 5025

Kaimai’ is a P. x asiamerica hybrid, resulting from a 1983 NZ cross between P. deltoides and P. ciliata. It was first released commercially in 2011.

Identification

‘Kaimai’ leaves are ... Strong apical dominance.

Typical uses, site requirements, pest and disease resistance

‘Kaimai’ is suitable for general soil conservation use, particularly in drier eastern regions. It does not suit windy environments.

‘Kaimai’ has low to medium rust resistance which can lead to early season defoliation in western regions.

Performance in trials

In a close-planted trial at Lawrence ‘Kaimai’ at age 12 (24) height and DBH were measured at 19.1 (30.5) m and 34.2 (49.9) cm. At the same site ‘Veronese’ at age 24 was 27.7 m tall and with DBH of 48.5 cm. ‘Kaimai’ was the most vigorous of the deltoides × ciliata clones at Lawrence