Common Name:

General Information

Podocarpus madagascariensis is an evergreen tree that usually grows about 4 - 13 metres tall, though occasional specimens in lowland forest can be much larger, up to 25 metres. On exposed rocky ridges it is often no more than a shrub[, ]. The canopy is widely pyramidal with numerous spreading branches[].
The timber is widely utilized locally.
Decline due to deforestation in the lowlands and logging of the trees of this species in these forests is ongoing. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Africa - Madagascar.

Habitat

Common in forests on mountains at elevations above 800 metres, sometimes up to 2,400 metres[]. Sometimes also found in humid forests at lower elevations[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Shade tolerant, at least when young[]. Often found on relatively dry sites in the wild[].
Most species in this genus are tolerant of hard pruning, being able to regrow from old wood[].
Species in this genus are generally slow-growing[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Wood - a valuable local timber, used for general carpentry and house building[, ].

We do not have a specific description for the wood, but the following is a general desciption of Podocarpus wood in Africa:-
The wood is a uniform light yellowish brown with no clear distinction between sapwood and heartwood. It sometimes shows red streaks due to the presence of compression wood. The texture is very fine and even; the grain is straight; growth rings are usually indistinct; resin ducts are absent. The heartwood has low durability and is liable to termite damage as well as other insect attack. The wood dries fairly rapidly with some checking and a pronounced tendency to warp - distortion can be minimized if the timber pile is weighted. Movement in service is rated as small. It is easy to work with hand and machine tools; takes an excellent finish; shapes and turns well; glues easily; it is easy to veneer, has moderate steam- bending properties. The wood is used for general construction, joinery, millwork, furniture components, boxes and crates, food containers, utility plywood[].

Propagation

The seed can be sown at any time of the year in a sandy soil, 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 until large enough to plant out.
Cuttings of half-ripe terminal shoots, 5 - 10cm long, in a frame[].

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