Chhe (talk) · Public domain
About
Also known by common names like yew plum pine, Buddhist pine, and Japanese yew, *Podocarpus macrophyllus* is a popular evergreen tree highly valued in gardens for its ornamental appeal and cultural significance. The ripe cone arils are edible, and the species is frequently used in bonsai training.
Field notes
Morphology
It is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree, reaching up to 20 m tall. The leaves are strap-shaped, measuring 6–12 cm long and about 1 cm broad, featuring a central midrib. The cones have two to four scales, with fertile scales bearing a single apical seed 10–15 mm. When mature, the scales swell into reddish purple, fleshy, berry-like structures, measuring 10–20 mm.
Distribution & habitat
Native to southern Japan and southern and eastern China, it can be found in forests, open thickets, and roadsides from near sea level up to 1000 m above sea level.
Cultivation notes
It is a popular large shrub or small tree in gardens, particularly in Japan and the Southeastern United States. The species can also be trained as a bonsai. The arils of the ripe cones are edible.
Habitat
- Altitude
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- Altitude Class
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Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
Crossed Podocarpus macrophyllus with another species?
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