Shrubby Podocarpus Podocarpus macrophyllus var. maki

This is a densely compact evergreen conifer shrub or narrow, conical tree that grows well in coastal NC and grows up to 6.5' tall, although the tree form of this plant can grow up to 50'. In colder regions, it 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.  The foliage is pleasantly fragrant when crushed.  This plant can also be grown as a specimen and background plant. 

Prefers rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained, fertile soils in full sun to part shade.  The plant is tolerant of shade but intolerant of wet soils.  This plant likes medium relative humidity and has a slow growth rate. This plant is salt tolerant, drought tolerant, and displays some tolerance to heat. Although it is non-flowering, the pollen cones are yellowish and elongated, the seeds are light blue and fleshy, and the stalk enlarged and red.  While these fleshy red arils are edible, children may be tempted to eat the round seeds which resemble fruits and are poisonous. This plant has no serious pest or disease problems and is resistant to deer.

Indoor plants may develop scale. Chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves) occurs in alkaline soils.

'Maki' is a smaller, slower growing version of the species.

Quick ID Hints:

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

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.  Children may eat the fleshy seeds that resemble fruits.

More information on Podocarpus macrophyllus.