Although this species appears to differ only slightly in some characters of the leaves from the common and widespread Podocarpus neriifolius it is maintained as a distinct species until more specimens become available and a revision undertaken[].

Common Name:

General Information

Podocarpus levis is an evergreen tree usually growing from 8 - 25 metres tall, occasionally reaching 35 metres. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 16 - 40cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood, which is traded with other Podocarpus species under the name 'podo' wood.
Judging from the widely dispersed occurrence based on a limited number of known herbarium collections, it is assumed that there must be many more localities where Podocarpus levis is likely to occur. It is often not recognized as distinct from the very common species Podocarpus neriifolius. Based on current knowledge, there is insufficient evidence of decline to place this in a more threatened category, therefore the plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Indonesia to New Guinea

Habitat

A scattered tree, locally common, in evergreen primary rainforest; growing on various substrates including limestome; at elevations from near sea level to 1,650 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	18.00 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

This species, like many other podocarps, is a valuable timber tree and is logged with other species where large trees occur and are accessible. The wood is used for general construction, carpentry and furniture making[].

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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