Plum Pine
Podocarpus spinulosus
Family: Podocarpaceae
What it is like
A pine. It is a medium sized shrub. It grows 0.7-3 m high and spreads 1.5-4 m wide. The branches can lie along the ground. They sometimes root at the nodes. They are often long and slender. The leaves are thick textured and dark green and glossy above but paler underneath. They are 1.5-8 cm long by 0.2-0.4 cm wide. They are alternate and spreading. The new leaves are pale. The leaves have sharp points. The male cones are 0.4-0.8 cm long and in the axils of leaves. They are in clusters. The female cone usually occurs singly. It has one or two seeds. These are on the end of bluish-black fleshy stems.
There are about 100 Podocarpus species. They are mostly in the tropics and subtropics.
Where it is found
It grows in sheltered sites amongst rocks and in sandy soils. It suits subtropical and temperate regions. It needs well drained acid soils. It grows best in light shade. It is hardy to frost and suits coastal locations. Coffs Harbour Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
Fruit are used for jams and preserves. They are also eaten.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings of firm young growth.