Totara is a medium to large tree that grows throughout the North Island and northeastern South Island. The wood is very hard and has a reddish color. Occasionally the tree has a burl that makes a growth in which the grain is radically deformed because of some stress or damage and makes small birdseye knots and swirly figure. This wood is somewhat rare and is highly sought after by wood turners. The Totora Burl used in my knives comes from the North Island of New Zealand has Birdseye, nice swirly figure with cracks/crevices, and complements the Spalted Oak nicely.