Common Name:

General Information

Podocarpus confertus is an evergreen tree that can range in height from just 1 metre in stunted forests on poor soils to 36 metres[].
Where it grows to a large tree this species will be valued and exploited for its timber; however, most trees do not attain large size as they occur on very poor soils or on exposed sites with ultrabasic rock[].
The rapid and wide expansion of oil palm plantations in the flat coastal lowlands and of rubber tree plantations in the hills is threatening the (remnants of) types of natural forest in which this species occurs sporadically as far as is known. Difficulty with field identification makes quantification of the decline problematic and a continuing decline is here inferred from the distribution data. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Malaysia (Sabah, Sarawak)

Habitat

Scattered, but locally forming dense populations, in Kerangas forest on poor, sandy soils and in stunted forest on ultrabasic rocks; commonly at elevations from 100 - 1,200 metres[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

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

The wood may be used for house construction, flooring, furniture making and cabinet work, carpentry and joinery, household utensils, matches, and toothpicks[].

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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