Plum pines
Botanical name: Podocarpus
Plum pines
Botanical name: Podocarpus
Description
Plum piness are a group of coniferous, evergreen trees and shrubs that, while often referred to colloquially as 'pines', are not the same as true pines (genus Pinus). Plum piness can reach a height of up to 40 meters. Many handsome species within this genus are grown ornamentally in parks or gardens.
Species of Plum pines
Real yellowwood
Real yellowwood is the national tree of South Africa, where it's protected by the law. This large evergreen tree is readily used in landscaping and ornamental gardening, mostly for its decorative foliage. It is known as a long-lived tree, but it grows relatively slowly. Its wood has many uses and it's a highly valued timber tree.
Buddhist pine
The buddhist pine (*Podocarpus macrophyllus*) is a medium-sized evergreen conifer that can be trained as a bonsai tree, which is a form of Japanese horticultural art. In Feng Shui mysticism, the buddhist pine is considered to be very valuable, a fact that has led to illegal collection. The tree contains a mild toxin, so care should be exercised.
Oleander podocarp
The oleander podocarp is a tree that produces valuable construction lumber. The many parts of this tree, commonly gathered from the wild, are utilized as medicine and as a source of food because its fruits are edible. A oleander podocarp in Singapore is listed as a heritage tree.
Totara
Totara (Podocarpus totara) is a plant species native and endemic to New Zealand. Totara grows in lowland, montane and lower subalpine forests. This species is the largest known tree in its genus. Wood from this species is used to make fenceposts and flooring. Totara often grows in fertile, lowland well-drained soils.
Yew plum pine
When the yew plum pine leaves are damaged, they emit a pleasant aroma. While the seeds are toxic, the fruits can be eaten and are used in pies and desserts. This shrub can be grown as a houseplant, container plant, or topiary.
Podocarpus matudae
Podocarpus matudaes are a group of coniferous, evergreen trees and shrubs that, while often referred to colloquially as 'pines', are not the same as true pines (genus Pinus). Podocarpus matudaes can reach a height of up to 40 meters. Many handsome species within this genus are grown ornamentally in parks or gardens.
Illawarra plum
Illawarra plums are a group of coniferous, evergreen trees and shrubs that, while often referred to colloquially as 'pines', are not the same as true pines (genus Pinus). Illawarra plums can reach a height of up to 40 meters. Many handsome species within this genus are grown ornamentally in parks or gardens.
Cape yellow wood
Cape yellow woods are a group of coniferous, evergreen trees and shrubs that, while often referred to colloquially as 'pines', are not the same as true pines (genus Pinus). Cape yellow woods can reach a height of up to 40 meters. Many handsome species within this genus are grown ornamentally in parks or gardens.
Alpine totara
This species is a prostrate shrub with spreading branches. It can also be semi-erect and up to 3 m tall. Branches that contact the soil often root. Leaves are thick, rigid and close together. They are arranged spirally, are pointed at the apex and are a brownish green colour when they age.
Arius
This conifer is unique to the Philippines and Taiwan, where it is now endangered due to plants being taken from the wild to satisfy horticultural demands. Arius is often confused with a relative, P. polystachyus, which is a popular bonsai specimen. The plant was first documented by Carl Borivoj Presl, an 18th-century Czech botanist, physician, and naturalist.
Podocarpus glomeratus
Podocarpus glomeratuss are a group of coniferous, evergreen trees and shrubs that, while often referred to colloquially as 'pines', are not the same as true pines (genus Pinus). Podocarpus glomeratuss can reach a height of up to 40 meters. Many handsome species within this genus are grown ornamentally in parks or gardens.
Emu bush
Emu bushs are a group of coniferous, evergreen trees and shrubs that, while often referred to colloquially as 'pines', are not the same as true pines (genus Pinus). Emu bushs can reach a height of up to 40 meters. Many handsome species within this genus are grown ornamentally in parks or gardens.
Scientific Classification
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