Common Name: Willowleaf Podocarp

General Information

Podocarpus salignus is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 18 metres tall[].The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood, which is mainly used locally.
According to recent surveys including targeted fieldwork there has been at least a 30% decrease in the population over the last three generations (60 years) following the conversion of native forests to commercial plantations and the devastating effects of fires. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' 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

Range

Southern S. America - southern and central Chile.

Habitat

Temperate rain forests[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	12.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Podocarpus salignus is native to central Chile, growing in areas with year round rainfall or with a dry season of up to 5 months - here most of the 400 - 800mm of rain falls in the winter months[]. Plants are hardy to about -25°c according to one report[], whilst another says that its limit is between -12.1°c and -6.7°c[].The plants grow best in humid areas with high rainfall and mild winters[]. Plants often fruit freely in Britain and self-sow freely in Cornwall[].
Prefers a rich moist non-alkaline soil[]. Shade tolerant, at least when young, but growing best in full sun[, ].
An ornamental plant, it grows well in 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.
The foliage is commonly used in the cut flower industry in Chile and the species is often grown in temperate countries as an ornamental tree[]
In the Mediterranean-like region it grows in the Roble-Hualo forest type (coastal Maulino forest) and often close to watercourses. Here it is associated with Nothofagus dombeyi, N. Obliqua, N. Nervosa, Peumus boldus, Persea lingue, Drimys winteri, Aextoxicon punctatum, Gevuina avellana, Myrceugenia exsucca and Laruelia sempervirens (Donoso 2006). In the same region in the Andes Cordillera it can form pure stands above 1,100 m altitude in wet areas that are not necessarily associated with watercourses: this specific habitat is known as mañihuales. It can also be found at lower elevations in the same region associated with other species in ravines on south-facing aspects. Its overall altitudinal range is from 10 to 1,200 m. In the Mediterranean-like region it often grows on soils derived from andesite but in the south of its distribution it occurs on soils derived from mica schist. It forms a dioecious tree to 20 m tall which becomes sexually mature between 10-20 years (Donoso 2006). Although most of the seed matures from February through to early April, a proportion of seed can mature and be disseminated by birds throughout the year[]

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 locally for construction work and cabinet making[, , , , ].

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[].