Podocarpus drouynianus

Taxobox
name = "Podocarpus drouynianus"
status = DD
status_system = iucn2.3
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Pinophyta
classis = Pinopsida
ordo = Pinales
familia = Podocarpaceae
genus = "Podocarpus"
species = "P. drouynianus"
binomial = "Podocarpus drouynianus"
binomial_authority = 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 confusing name of "Wild Plum" (it is not a 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

* Database entry includes justification for why this species is listed as data deficient