Henkel’s Yellowwood
(Podocarpus henkelii)
Henkel’s Yellowwood (Podocarpus henkelii)
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Krzysztof Golik
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Krzysztof Golik
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Krzysztof Golik | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Tournasol7 | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Podocarpus_henkelii_in_Hackfalls_Arboretum_(5).jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description ={{en|1=Location taken: Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.. Names: Rhododendron austrinum (Small) Rehd., Florida Azalea, Florida Flame Azalea, Orange Azale Classification: Plantae > Magnoliophyta
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Podocarpus henkelii, commonly known as Henkel’s Yellowwood, is an evergreen tree native to the mistbelt forests of South Africa, from the Eastern Cape to KwaZulu-Natal, and extending northwards to Tanzania and Zimbabwe. It is a distinctive member of the Podocarpaceae family, reaching heights of up to 98 feet (30 meters) with a straight, well-formed trunk and a naturally pyramidal shape. The long, slender, drooping leaves set it apart from other yellowwoods, contributing to its ornamental appeal. Henkel’s Yellowwood is dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female trees, and it produces cones as well as fruit-like seeds that are eaten and dispersed by birds.
This species is valued for its elegant form and foliage, making it a popular choice for gardens and urban landscapes. It offers the notable benefit of being tough once established and can live for many years. Its ability to be pruned allows for shape modification, and while it is somewhat frost and drought-tolerant, it thrives in deep, moist soils. Henkel’s Yellowwood is best cultivated in full sun to part shade, with medium water requirements and well-drained soils. It is propagated from seed, which should be sown promptly in a moist, semi-shaded position. Potential problems include susceptibility to root rot in poorly drained soils and occasional pest issues such as scale insects.CC BY-SA 4.0
This species is valued for its elegant form and foliage, making it a popular choice for gardens and urban landscapes. It offers the notable benefit of being tough once established and can live for many years. Its ability to be pruned allows for shape modification, and while it is somewhat frost and drought-tolerant, it thrives in deep, moist soils. Henkel’s Yellowwood is best cultivated in full sun to part shade, with medium water requirements and well-drained soils. It is propagated from seed, which should be sown promptly in a moist, semi-shaded position. Potential problems include susceptibility to root rot in poorly drained soils and occasional pest issues such as scale insects.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 9-33 feet
- Width: 9-18 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow, Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Hedges, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Mistbelt forests from the Eastern Cape to KwaZulu-Natal, extending to Tanzania and Zimbabwe
Other Names
Common Names: Falcate Yellowwood, Bastergeelhout, Umsonti, Nanjula
Scientific Names: , Podocarpus henkelii, Podocarpus ensiculus, Podocarpus henckelii subsp. ensiculus, Podocarpus henkelii subsp. ensiculus,
GBIF Accepted Name: Podocarpus henkelii Stapf ex Dallim. & A.B.Jacks.