| Podocarpus drouynianus | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Pinales |
| Family: | Podocarpaceae |
| Genus: | Podocarpus |
| Species: | P. drouynianus |
| Binomial name | |
| Podocarpus drouynianus F.Muell. |
|
Podocarpus drouynianus is a species of podocarp native to the relatively high rainfall southwestern corner of Western Australia, where it is known by the name Wild Plum, although it is not a true plum. It grows around creeks in sandy or gravelly soil. It is usually a shrub, not often forming a single trunk, instead growing multiple branches from around the base. It is very slow-growing. The leaves are needle-like, 4-8 cm long, sharply pointed, green above and with glaucous stomatal bands beneath. The cones are berry-like, with a fleshy, edible purple aril 2-2.5 cm long and one (rarely two) apical seeds 1 cm long.
Ideally Podocarpus drouynianus should be grown in partial shade with plenty of water. Unusually for the genus, it tolerates quite dry conditions. It survives temperatures of up to 45 °C, and grows well in full sun or partial shade.