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Podocarpus alpinus - R.Br. ex Hook.f.

Common Name Tasmanian Podocarp
Family Podocarpaceae
USDA hardiness 6-9
Known Hazards Superficially similar to Taxus species, but this plant is definitely not poisonous[200].
Habitats Screes and ridges in alpine and subalpine areas[286].
Range Australia - New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Podocarpus alpinus Tasmanian Podocarp


http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PEXwlNR-KfNuVvQJE5dB1Q
Podocarpus alpinus Tasmanian Podocarp
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-eQkPZc-QUww9HvgQnKbkg

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Podocarpus alpinus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2.5 m (8ft) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is about 6mm x 5mm in size with a single seed[11, 200]. Although we have seen no specific reports of edibility for this fruit, it is closely related to other species with edible fruits and is very unlikely to be poisonous - we have indeed eaten it on a number of occasions and it has a mucilaginous texture with a slightly sweet flavour[K].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Wood

Wood.

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a rich moist non-alkaline soil[167]. Plants are shade tolerant, at least when young[200]. Hardy to about -25°c, but plants grow best in humid areas with high rainfall and mild winters[200]. Plants often fruit freely in Britain[200]. There is some doubt over the correct name for this species - the Flora of Australia says that it is a synonym of P. lawrencei[286], a species which, according to our records, only occurs in New Zealand[200]. A very slow growing plant, reaching 1.5 metres tall in 50 years at Kew Gardens[11]. It is a good plant for the rock garden[200]. Plants are very tolerant of pruning[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. Occasional plants are monoecious[286].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

The seed can be sown at any time of the year in a sandy soil in a warm greenhouse, though it is probably best sown as soon as it is ripe[1]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe terminal shoots, 5 - 10cm long, July/August in a frame[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Nageia nagiNagi, Nagi Podocarpus, Broadleaf PodocarpusTree25.0 9-11 MLMHSNM102
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Podocarpus macrophyllusKusamaki, Yew plum pine, Buddhist Pine, Chinese Podocarpus, Chinese Yew Pine, Japanese Yew, SoutherTree10.0 8-11 SLMHSNM213
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Podocarpus nivalisAlpine TotaraShrub3.0 7-11 MLMHSNM303
Podocarpus nubigenusChilean PodocarpTree20.0 6-9 SLMHSNM202
Podocarpus salignusWillowleaf PodocarpTree12.0 7-10 SLMHSNM202
Podocarpus totaraTotaraTree30.0 8-11 SLMHSNM302

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

R.Br. ex Hook.f.

Botanical References

11200286

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