Podocarpus macrophyllus

Buddhist Pine, Shrubby Japanese Yew
Podocarpus macrophyllus
Type: Coniferous Evergreen Shrub or Tree
Exposure: Sun / Part Shade
Water: Regular (do not overwater)

This versatile evergreen  is native to the mountains of Japan and China, where it can reach as much as 50ft (15m) tall by 20ft (6m) wide, although in cultivation it usually stays smaller. It features bright green, leathery, strap-like leaves that are soft-textured. These will reach 4in (10cm) long by 1/2in (1.3cm) wide, and arrange themselves in whorls around their stems. They are pleasantly fragrant when bruised. The cones (or fruit) are a peculiar-looking affair that are 1.5in (3.8cm) long and olive green in their first year, and then ripen to purple in their second year. These are edible and are often eaten out of hand, or used in baking. These fruits are held in tandem with the seed, which are not edible, except by birds who distribute them in their droppings. Buddhist pines make good hedges, topiary, container, specimen or even bonsai plants, as they take clipping well. They dislike soggy or alkaline soils.

Fun fact: Buddhist pine in considered a Feng Shui tree in China.

Fruit photo courtesy www.conifers.org

Cheers,

John