Kusamaki, Yew plum pine, Buddhist Pine, Chinese Podocarpus, Chinese Yew Pine, Japanese Yew, Souther

Podocarpus macrophyllus

Physical Characteristics

Podocarpus macrophyllus is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - S. China, Japan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked in pies, cakes etc[183]. The fruit is 12 - 15mm long[200].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Tonic The stem bark is used in the treatment of worms (especially ringworm) and blood disorders[218]. A decoction of the fruit is tonic for the heart, kidneys, lungs and stomach[218].

Known Hazards

Superficially similar to Taxus species, but this plant is definitely not poisonous[200].