Podocarpus macrophyllus Seeds | Buddhist Pine
LATIN NAME: Podocarpus macrophyllus
COMMON NAME: Buddhist Pine
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Buddhist Pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus) is a slow-growing evergreen conifer, native to subtropical mountain regions of east Asia. In shaded courtyard, the Buddhist pine stands as a quiet, slow-growing evergreen conifer, its dark, narrow, leathery leaves set in loose spirals along branches and its fleshy, purple-blue fruit-like receptacles carrying single hard seed. In time it steadily becomes a rounded crown, reaching 5-10 metres. It is content in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. At maturity it stands about 5-10 metres. While it flowers, it feeds a quiet procession of bees and hoverflies. Together these qualities explain its long-standing appeal to gardeners.
Science & Biotechnology
Botanists studying the Podocarpus group regularly include Podocarpus macrophyllus in comparative work, and the species also appears in horticultural trials aimed at gardeners and growers. As a member of ancient podocarp family, it is of interest to botanists studying evolution of conifers and their fleshy, bird-dispersed fruits, which are unusual among conifers. It is the kind of species that plant scientists reach for when they need reliable material for propagation and selection studies.
Uses & Benefits
Buddhist Pine brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Ecologically, Buddhist pine is a valuable evergreen. Its dense foliage gives year-round shelter and nesting sites for birds, and fleshy, colourful fruits feed birds and small mammals, which help spread the seeds. Its economic value lies mainly in horticulture. Thereafter it wants only the ordinary attentions any garden plant receives.
Podocarps are elegant conifers of Asia and the southern hemisphere, their fleshy seed stalks edible in some species, their wood prized for fine craft.
Growing from Seed
Buddhist Pine is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Growing Buddhist pine from seed takes patience, but it is a very rewarding tree to raise. Seeds sit inside fleshy, purple fruits, and they are best sown fresh, since they lose vigour with age. Sow the seeds evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, keep the sowing evenly moist, and give the pot or tray partial shade. A spell of cool, moist conditions ahead of sowing brings the seed along nicely and supports even germination. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
A plant of subtropical mountain regions of east asia, it carries that landscape’s resilience into the garden. A cool, moist period before sowing prepares the seed well; care after that is routine.
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