Kahuroa · Public domain
About
This genus, *Podocarpus*, is a highly successful group of evergreen conifers, featuring species that range from small shrubs to massive trees. They are notable for their fleshy, brightly colored cones that attract birds, which aids in seed dispersal.
Field notes
Morphology
The species are evergreen woody plants, generally trees but sometimes shrubs, reaching heights up to 40 meters. Leaves are simple, flattened, and typically linear-lanceolate or linear-elliptic, arranged spirally, and are coriaceous with a distinct midrib. The seed cones are highly modified, consisting of two to five fused scales that form a succulent, brightly colored receptacle, often bearing only one seed.
Distribution & habitat
The natural distribution is vast, covering much of Africa, Asia, Australia, Central and South America, and several South Pacific islands. Specific ranges include southern Chile north to Mexico in the Americas, and New Zealand north to Japan in the Asia-Pacific region.
Cultivation notes
Species are cultivated as ornamental plants for parks and large gardens.
History & etymology
The name derives from Greek, combining πούς (poús), meaning "foot," and καρπός (karpós), meaning "fruit."
Habitat
- Altitude
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- Altitude Class
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Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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