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

• Conifer Specialist Group (2008). Podocarpus drouynianus. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 27 March 2009. Database entry includes justification for why this species is listed as data deficient

External links

• "Podocarpus drouynianus F.Muell.". FloraBase. Department of Environment and Conservation, Government of Western Australia.