Emu Plum, Wild Plum, Kula, Emu Berry
Podocarpus drouynianus
Family: Podocarpaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 3 m high. It spreads to 0.5-2.5 m wide. It has creeping underground stems. The leaves are narrow and pale green. They are 4-11 cm long by 0.5 cm wide. They are alternate and crowded. The edges curve back. Male and female cones are produced on different plants. The male cones are 0.5-1.2 cm long by 0.5 cm wide. They usually occur singly. The female cone is 1.5 cm long and occurs singly. The stalk of the cone becomes fleshy and swollen. These fruit are large. They are edible. The single round seed, or cone, is attached to a fleshy "stalk" which is like a large purple grape.
There are about 100 Podocarpus species. They are mostly in the tropics and subtropics.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in Western Australia. It grows on sandy soils. It suits temperate regions. It can stand frost and dry periods. It needs well drained acid soils. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
It regrows from the underground woody tuber after fires. Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings of firm young growth.
It is slow growing.