Podocarpus lawrencei
Family: Podocarpaceae
What it is like
Podocarpus lawrencei is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in). 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): 10
Where it is found
Not known
New Zealand - South Island.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw or cooked. It is rather small but has a pleasant slightly sweet flavour with a mucilaginous texture. The fruit is about 6 x 5 mm.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a rich moist non-alkaline soil. Grows best in sheltered areas with a humid climate. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. There is some confusion over this species, the Flora of Australia says that it is endemic to Australia, whilst our other records say that it is a New Zealand plant. 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 Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 6-9
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.