Common Name: Chilean Podocarp

General Information

Podocarpus nubigenus is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be free of branches for up to 15 metres[, ].
The tree yields a good quality timber and has been much exploited in the past. Young trees are cut for use as Christmas trees.
Despite its wide distribution and relatively large[] number of locations, many of which contain healthy groups of old-growth trees and good regeneration, Podocarpus nubigenus is assessed as Near Threatened because continued changes in landuse, particularly in the Coastal Cordillera, combined with past exploitation in other parts of its range could result in a population reduction approaching 30%. It would then qualify for listing as Vulnerable. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

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

Botanical References

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Range

S. America - southern Chile, southwestern Argentina.

Habitat

Grows in moist forests in association with Fitzroya cupressoides and Nothofagus dombeyi[]. Humid evergreen forests, often on poorly drained soils; at elevations up to 1,000 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Podocarpus nubigenus is found in central and southern Chile, growing in areas where there is no dry season or a short dry season of up to 1 month. It can tolerate winter temperatures falling to around -17.7°c and -12.2°c with occasional snow cover for up to a couple of weeks each year[, ]. Another report says that this species is hardy to about -25°c, but the plants grow best in humid areas with high rainfall, mild winters and cool summers[]. Found in areas where annual rainfall can be up to 5,000mm[].
Prefers a rich moist non-alkaline soil[]. Shade tolerant, at least when young[]. Plants can often be found growing in deep shade in the wild[].
This species is closely related to Podocarpus totara[].
Sometimes grown as an ornamental, it is a good plant for the rock garden[, ].
Very tolerant of pruning[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
A dioecious species - both male and female forms must be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. About 8mm long[]. We have seen no reports for this species but it is most likely that the fruit is edible. The 'fruit' is actually a succulent, swollen, fruit-like stalk[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Wood - straight grained, reddish, very durable lasting a long time in water, but it can be brittle. Used for construction work and cabinet making[, , , , ].

The wood of Podocarpus nubigenus is highly prized due to its good colour, durability and strength. It is used for a wide range of products including furniture, interior fittings, flooring and crafts[].

The heartwood is normally a uniform pale yellow to yellowish-brown in colour, though occasionally slightly streaked with darker colour; it is not clearly demarcated from the sapwood. The texture is fine and uniform; the grain straight; growth rings are not distinct. Logs are liable to sapstain and should be dipped into an anti-stain solution after felling. The wood is not very durable and can be attacked by termites, pinhole borers and longhorn beetles. The wood seasons without difficulty at low temperatures, otherwise it tends to check and distort – it is stable after seasoning Care must be taken to stack properly. It works very easily by hand and machine tools; generally machines to a good, clean finish when cutting edges are kept sharp, however, care is needed to prevent breaking away at the exit side when boring or mortising; stains and polishes satisfactorily; takes paints and varnishes well; tends to split in nailing or screwing unless holes are pre-bored. Wearing properties low to moderate. Well-shaped cylindrical logs might well be rotary-cut for veneer. Timber acid resistant[].

Propagation

The seed can be sown at any time of the year in a sandy soil in a warm greenhouse, though it is probably best sown as soon as it is ripe[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe terminal shoots, 5 - 10cm long, mid summer in a frame[].