Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Podocarpus latifolius or Real 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 latifolius, Podocarpus henkelii, Podocarpus elongatus, Podocarpus macrophyllus, Podocarpus dispermus, Podocarpus glaucus, Podocarpus grayae, Podocarpus neriifolius.

Common names: Real yellowwood, Broad-leaved yellowwood. This species is native to Eastern and Southern Africa.

They are large, slow-growing trees that reach 35 meters (114.8 feet) in height in their natural habitat. They have narrow, leathery leaves that are light green or grayish green. The flowers are the typical cones of conifers, male and female. The wood is similar to that of the Yew.

They are used as isolated specimens in medium or large gardens, in public parks and in pots when they are young. They are ideal plants for Mediterranean coastal gardens but protected from strong winds.

Podocarpus latifolius grows in full sun or semi-shade exposure and in hot climates. They resist light and occasional frosts.

The soil can be a normal garden substrate with 25% coarse sand to achieve good drainage. The transplant is done in spring; be careful with the delicate roots.

Water regularly throughout the year waiting for the substrate to dry completely. They resist several days of drought.

Fertilize in late winter with compost.

Prune in late winter to keep it compact.

They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases.

They are propagated from seeds sown in spring in a seedbed with a mixture of compost and coarse siliceous sand in equal parts slightly damp.

Images of the tree Podocarpus latifolius or Real yellowwood