Common Name:

General Information

Podocarpus brassii is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 metres tall. The cylindrical bole can be straight or crooked; it can be free of branches for up to 15 metres and up to 75cm in diameter[]. Var humilis is a much shorter tree or a low-growing to decumbent shrub[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood, which is used locally and also traded under the collective name 'podo'.
Podocarpus brassii is widespread and locally abundant at higher altitudes in the central mountains of the island of New Guinea. No threats or decline have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Australasia - New Guinea

Habitat

Var brassii is a canopy tree in upper montane forest, extending to subalpine regions; at elevations from 1,750 - 3,810 metres. Var humilis is a bushy shrub in the subalpine to alpine regions[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	20.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Based on data from 46 collection localities, the climate preferences for Podocarpus brassii include a mean annual temperature of 12.5°c, with an average minimum in the coldest month of 6.3°c, and a mean annual precipitation of 3148mm[].

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 yellowish brown, sometimes slightly purplish[]. A softwood timber[], it is probably only harvested as 'podo' wood along with other species of Podocarpus[].

This species is one of several that are traded collectively under the name 'podo'. The general description of podo wood is as follows:-
The heartwood is light yellow with a greenish tinge or light golden brown; it is not clearly demarcated from the sapwood. The texture is very fine and even; the grain is straight. The wood can vary considerably in hardness and density; it is fairly strong; non-durable under exposed conditions. It seasons well without serious degrade. It is easy to work with hand and machine tools; planed surfaces are smooth and lustrous. The wood is suitable for many decorative purposes, interior finishings, panelling, high class furniture and cabinets, fancy plywood and flooring[].

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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