Chinese Podocarpus Podocarpus macrophyllus var. maki

Chinese podocarpus is a densely compact, broadleaf evergreen shrub or narrow, conical tree in the podocarpus family (Podocarpaceae). It is hardy in zones 7 to 11 and grows well in coastal North Carolina. The plant is native from southern China to northern Myanmar, Taiwan, south central and southern Japan. The genus name is derived from the Greek words pous for foot and karpos for fruit. The epithet, macrophyllus, means “large leaf.”

This plant prefers rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained, fertile soils and full sun to partial shade. The plant is tolerant of shade but intolerant of wet soils. It likes medium relative humidity and has a slow growth rate. Although the tree form of this plant can grow up to 50 feet, the ‘Maki’ cultivar grows 8 to 10 feet tall. Allow 3 to 6 feet for planting. This plant is salt tolerant, drought tolerant and displays some tolerance to heat. It is also resistant to deer.

The foliage is pleasantly fragrant when crushed. Although it is non-flowering, the pollen cones are yellowish and elongated, the seeds are light blue and fleshy, borne on a fleshy, red stalk. While these fleshy red stalks are edible, children may be tempted to eat the round seeds which resemble fruits and are poisonous. 

In colder regions, Chinese podocarpus can be used as a container plant to be brought in from the outdoors during the winter months. It adapts well to shearing so that it is sometimes used in topiary design. Its tolerance for low light allows for good growth in brightly lit rooms as a houseplant. You may see this plant in commercial buildings such as offices or shopping malls, growing under skylights. Where it is winter hardy, it can be grown as a large hedge or screen. This plant can also be grown as a specimen and background plant. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Densely compact shrub with alternate, spiral, linear leaves.
• Midrib of flattened leaves raised on both sides.
• Evergreen gymnosperm.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Indoor plants may develop scale. Chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves) occurs in alkaline soils.

More information on Podocarpus macrophyllus.