Podocarpus drouynianus

Podocarpus drouynianus
Conservation status

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
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.

Cultivation

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.

References

External links

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