Common Name: Brown Pine

General Information

Podocarpus dispermus is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 metres tall, though is usually smaller[, ]. The bole seldom exceeds 30cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of wood
Although Podocarpus dispermus has a restricted range that is within the thresholds for Endangered, it is known from at least twelve localities and subpopulations are not severely fragmented. The population is thought to be stable although its total size is unknown. Loss of dispersal vectors and seedling herbivory by introduced pigs are potential but not yet realised threats to regeneration. However, there is no current evidence for decline or exploitation and the vast majority of locations are within protected areas. The future effects of climate change may represent a future threat but have not been evaluated or quantified at this time. In the absence of any decline the plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - northeastern Queensland

Habitat

Mesophyll vine forest (rainforest) in which it is a small understorey tree with large leaves[]. An understory tree in well developed rain forest on a variety of sites; at elevations from 40 - 720 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Based on data from 12 collection localities, the climate preferences of Podocarpus dispermus include a mean annual temperature of 22.5°c, with an average minimum in the coldest month of 13.3°c, and a mean annual precipitation of 2,925mm. Plants are not frost tolerant, being injured if temperatures fall below about 4°c[].
Requires a sheltered position, with protection from too much sun when young[]. Dislikes dry soils[].
The bark is very strong and fibrous when stripped[].
The spreading habit and dark green glossy leaves make this an excellent small tree for the garden. Also does well as a potted plant for indoor decoration[].
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

Fruit - raw[]. Mucilaginous, most people find it too slimy and aromatic to enjoy[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The species would have been used by early European settlers for light construction work[].

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[]. The seed germinates readily[]. 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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