Common Name:

General Information

Podocarpus spinulosus is an evergreen shrub usually growing up to 2 metres tall, though occasionally developing into a small tree[]. Clumps may be up to 5 metres in diameter[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It has potential for use in soil stabilization projects and also can be used in ornamental plantings.
Podocarpus spinulosus has a very large extent of occurrence although its area of occupancy is limited. It is only locally threatened but it is considered that there has not been a significant decline of the global population. Localized threats include mining of white sands in places such as Moreton Bay, urban development throughout the coastal parts of its range and the conversion of native forests for agriculture and other uses. It occurs in several protected areas across its natural range, from coastal dunes to upland plateaus. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - New South Wales, southern Queensland

Habitat

Scrubland and dry forests, usually growing on nutrient-deficient soils derived from sandstone and on sandy old beaches and dunes along the coast as well as farther inland on plateaux; at elevations up to 900 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Based on data from 54 collection localities, Podocarpus spinulosus is found in a region where the mean annual temperature is 17°c, with an average minimum in the coldest month of 6°c, and a mean annual precipitation of 1,190mm. It is not very frost hardy, able to withstand short-lived temperatures falling to between -1°c and +4.4°c[].
Plants are found in the wild on nutrient-deficient soils derived from sandstone[].
This species is unusual within the genus as it forms multiple lignotubers from which many stems can resprout[]. Layering in the wild is common. Such features allow this species to tolerate reasonably frequent fire[].
This shrubby species of the genus Podocarpus appears not to be in cultivation outside a few collections in botanic gardens[].
Although not often grown as an ornamental, it makes an attractive garden or container plant due to its attractive foliage and habit[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. The 'fruit' is actually a succulent, swollen, fruit-like stalk[]. Mixed with a jam made from the Native Currant (Leptomeria acida), it makes a very good pudding[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant's ability to grow well in poor sandy substrates near the sea and its layering habit would make it a useful stabilizer of drifting sand in warm temperate to subtropical climates. Research into its potential for invasiveness in other countries and habitats should be conditional if introduction is considered in this context[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -
Propagation can be carried out from seed without pretreatment although germination is often slow[].
The species can also be propagated from cuttings[].