Podocarpus nubigenus
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| Podocarpus nubigenus Lindl. |
Podocarpus nubigenus is a species of podocarp, endemic to the Valdivian temperate rain forests of southern Chile and adjacent southwestern Argentina.
It is a medium to large tree, growing to around 20-25 m, exceptionally to 35 m. The bark peels off in papery flakes, with a purplish to golden brown hue. The sharp, green needle-like leaves are stiff and leathery, 2 cm long. The cones are highly modified with 2-4 fused, fleshy berry-like juicy scales, bright red when mature, bearing one (rarely two) rounded seeds at the apex of the scales.
In a classic example species-pair of the Antarctic flora, it is very closely related to Podocarpus totara from New Zealand, to the extent that if planted together, they are very difficult to distinguish. The best distinction is the slightly brighter green tone of the leaves, compared to the more greyish-green of P. totara.
[edit] Cultivation and uses
The wood is hard and straight grained and very resistant to rot, but due to scarcity is little used.
Podocarpus nubigenus is occasionally grown as an ornamental tree in the western British Isles and the Pacific Northwest of North America, where it receives the cool summers and high rainfall it requires for successful growth. It does not have any common English name; 'Cloud Podocarp' (a translation of the scientific name) and 'Chilean Totara' have been suggested, but are little used. Mapuche Native American and Latin American Spanish names include Huililahuán and Mañio Macho or Mañíu macho. In southern Chile, it is also known as Mañío de hojas punzantes.
[edit] References
- Conifer Specialist Group (1998). Podocarpus nubigenus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006.
