Chilean Podocarp
Podocarpus nubigenus
Family: Podocarpaceae
What it is like
Podocarpus nubigenus is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft 7in) 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.
Height (m): 20
Where it is found
Grows in moist forests, where annual rainfall can be up to 5,000 millimetres, in association with Fitzroya cupressoides and Nothofagus dombeyi.
S. America - S. Chile, S.W. Argentina.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw or cooked. About 8mm long. We have seen no reports for this species but it is most likely that the fruit is edible.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Wood - straight grained, reddish, very durable lasting a long time in water, but it can be brittle. Used for construction work and cabinet making.
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. Shade tolerant, at least when young. This species is hardy to about -25°c, but the plants grow best in humid areas with high rainfall, mild winters and cool summers. They are not really happy in the drier eastern half of the country. Closely related to P. totara. A good plant for the rock garden. Very tolerant of pruning. 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; Secondary;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth: Slow
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.