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". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2008. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 27 March 2009. Database entry includes justification for why this species is listed as data deficient

External links

• "Podocarpus drouynianus F.Muell.". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife.