Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Podocarpus elongatus or Breede River Yellowwood

The genus Podocarpus, family Podocarpaceae, comprises 100 species of trees and shrubs native to Asia, the Pacific, Central and South America, New Zealand, Australia and Africa. Some species are: Podocarpus elongatus, Podocarpus macrophyllus, Podocarpus dispermus, Podocarpus henkelii, Podocarpus glaucus, Podocarpus grayae, Podocarpus latifolius, Podocarpus neriifolius.

Common name: Breede River Yellowwood. This species is native to southern Africa.

They are dioecious trees or shrubs of rounded bearing that reach 6 meters (19.68 feet) in height. The interesting foliage is formed by narrow leathery leaves of oblong-elliptical shape (6 cm/2.36" long) and greenish-blue or silver color. The female cones are decorative when fruiting because they turn reddish and are also edible.

These slow-growing plants are used as isolated specimens in small to medium-sized gardens, in pots and planters, to form barriers and screens, or in small groups.

Podocarpus elongatus can grow in full sun or light shade exposure. They resist occasional frosts but it's better not to expose them to less than 5 ºC (41 ºF).

The soil must drain well and contain organic matter; use a garden substrate with coarse sand and compost. They are rarely transplanted due to their slow growth.

They have a good resistance to drought; They appreciate regular waterings in spring and summer, always waiting for the substrate to have dried.

Prune lightly in late winter to keep it compact.

Fertilize with compost or manure in the fall or late winter.

They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases.

They are propagated from seeds sown in autumn in a seedbed with a slightly damp substrate and in semi-shade.

Images of the tree Podocarpus elongatus or Breede River Yellowwood