Podocarpus () is a large genus of conifers, the most numerous and widely distributed of the family Podocarpaceae. Podocarpus species are shrubs or trees, usually from 1 to 25 m (3 to 82 ft) tall, known to reach 40 m (130 ft) at times. The cones have two to five fused cone scales, which form a fleshy, berry-like, brightly coloured receptacle at maturity. The fleshy cones attract birds, which then eat the cones and disperse the seeds in their droppings. Plants of the World Online accepts 116 species. Other authorities place 97 to 107 species in the genus depending on the circumscription of the species.
Species are cultivated as ornamental plants for parks and large gardens. The cultivar 'County Park Fire' has won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Etymology
The name comes from Greek πούς poús meaning "foot" and καρπός karpós meaning "fruit".
Common names for various species include "yellowwood" and "pine", as in the plum pine (Podocarpus elatus) or the Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus).
Names
Common names for various species include "yellowwood" and "pine", as in the plum pine (Podocarpus elatus) or the Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus).
Description
Podocarpus species are woody conifers. They are generally trees, but may also be shrubs. The trees can reach a height of 40 metres (130 ft) at their tallest. Some shrubby species have a decumbent growth habit. The primary branches form pseudowhorls around the trunk. The bark can be scaly or fibrous and peeling with vertical strips. Terminal buds are distinctive with bud scales that are often imbricate and can be spreading.
The leaves are simple and flattened, and may be sessile or short petiolate. The phyllotaxis or leaf arrangement is spiral, and may be subopposite on some shoots. The leaves are usually linear-lanceolate or linear-elliptic in shape, though they can be broader lanceolate, ovate, or nearly elliptic in some species. Juvenile leaves are often larger than...
