Australian Plum
Podocarpus elatus
Family: Podocarpaceae
What it is like
Podocarpus elatus is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft 5in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. 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. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 30
Where it is found
Coastal scrub forest. Once a common tree in Australia, it is now rare due to the destruction of the rainforests.
Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw or cooked. It makes a tasty jelly. Rich and sweet. Mucilaginous with a resinous flavour. A reasonable size, the fruit is about 25mm in diameter. The seed is borne on the top of the fruit.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Wood - tough, durable, silky textured. Used for cabinet making, indoor use and boat building.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
Prefers a rich moist non-alkaline soil. Resists salt spray. Grows best in areas with a humid climate. Plants tolerate temperatures down to at least -7°c in Australian gardens, but this cannot be translated directly to British gardens because of our cooler summers and longer colder and wetter winters. They can be grown outdoors in the milder areas of Britain, preferably in a woodland garden. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagating it: 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. 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.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 9-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Superficially similar to Taxus species, but this plant is definitely not poisonous.