The
genus Podocarpus
A large genus of c. 65 species. Shrubby evergreen trees native to Australasia, Asia, South America and East Africa; they are hardy only in the milder parts of this country. Leaves variable. Ovulate and staminate strobili usually on different trees, the latter in tufted spikes.
(P)
Podocarpus alpinus, R. Brown
Native in mountains of Victoria and Tasmania where it forms a low straggling densely branched bush. Introduced into this country in 1825. Leaves crowded, straight or sickle-shaped, pointed. Useful in its native habitat for the prevention of soil erosion.
Podocarpus macrophyllus,
D. Don (P. chinensis Endl.)
Kusamaki
Native in China and Japan where it grows to a height of 50 feet. Branches strong and horizontal; branchlets dense. The leaves are spirally arranged, up to five inches long and half an inch wide, bright green above, glaucous beneath, thick, and leathery.
(R)
Podocarpus salignus, D. Don (P. chilinus Richard)
Endemic to the Andes of Chile where it grows into a tree up to 60 feet in height. Introduced into this country in 1853, it usually forms a pyramidal shrub. Leaves up to three inches long, dark bluish-green above. Staminate strobili slender, drooping in small clusters.
(B)
Podocarpus totara, D. Don
Totara
Native of New Zealand where it grows to a height of 100 feet and is an important timber tree. Leaves about one inch long in two ranks. Staminate strobili axillary. Seed solitary on fleshy crimson receptacle.