Yew Plum Pine

(Podocarpus macrophyllus)

Yew Plum Pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Podocarpus macrophyllus, also known as Yew Plum Pine, is an evergreen tree native to damp areas and slopes in East Asia. It is a small to medium-sized tree, typically reaching heights of 20 meters (66 feet). The leaves are strap-shaped, measuring 6-12 cm (2.4-4.7 inches) long and about 1 cm broad, with a central midrib. The cones, borne on short stems, have two to four scales, usually only one (sometimes two) fertile, each fertile scale bearing a single apical seed 10-15 mm. When mature, the scales swell and turn reddish-purple, becoming fleshy and berry-like, measuring 10-20 mm long. Birds eat these berries and disperse the seeds through their droppings.

In cultivation, the Yew Plum Pine thrives best in full sun or part shade, with medium water requirements, and in soils with medium drainage. It is a popular choice for urban planting due to its attractive foliage and berries, and its ability to adapt to a variety of soil conditions. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is not well-drained. It is also used as a hedge or screen plant, and in bonsai. Despite its adaptability, it should be monitored for potential invasiveness when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 20-40 feet
  • Width: 10-20 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Forests, open thickets and roadsides from near sea level to 1000 m above it

Other Names

Common Names: Fern Pine, Big-Leaf Podocarp, Buddhist Pine, Großblättrige Steineibe, Nagylevelu Kínai Kotiszafa, Podocarpo A Grandi Foglie, Ногоплодник Крупнолистный (Nogoplodnik Krupnolistnyj), Storbladig Podokarp, 罗汉松 (Luo Han Song), Maki

Scientific Names: , Podocarpus macrophyllus, Podocarpus macrophyllus f. angustifolius, Myrica esquirolii, Nageia macrophylla, Podocarpus chinensis var. maki, Podocarpus corrugatus, Podocarpus lanceolatus, Podocarpus longifolius, Podocarpus macrophyllus var. chinensis,

GBIF Accepted Name: Podocarpus macrophyllus (Thunb.) Sweet