Common Name: Diablo Fuerte

General Information

Podocarpus montanus is a very slow-growing, evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 metres tall with a semi-round,
not very dense crown[, ]. The bole is up to 30cm in diameter[].
An economically important species because the wood is considered to be valuable for a range of uses. It is commonly harvested from the wild for local use and trade
Although this timber tree species has a relatively broad distribution in tropical South America it has been under much pressure from logging during the last 50 - 60 years. There is evidence that many of the formerly quite extensive stands have now either disappeared or been considerably reduced; this is certainly the case in Colombia and Peru. It is estimated that there has been at least 30% global loss within the last three generations (here a generation length of 25-30 years seems to be reasonable for tropical member of the Podocarpaceae) due to logging and agroforestry. A continuing decline is highly likely but very difficult to quantify. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela.

Habitat

Montane forests; at elevations from 1,500 - 3,600 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of moderate to high regions in the tropics, where it is found at elevations from 1,900 - 3,000 metres[]. It grows best in areas with an average annual temperature of 8 - 16°c and an annual precipitation of 600 - 3,000 mm[]. It can tolerate short frosts with occasional temperatures falling to between -1°c and +4.4°c[, ].
The tree adapts to poor soils with good drainage, acid pH, and loose clayey texture[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is used for veneer, furniture, lath, posts, wood shaving boards, and in cabinet-making[, ]. It is also used as pulp for paper and in pencils[]
including house construction, the handles of agricultural tools, general carpentry, floors and cabinet making. Its yellow sapwood and reddish heartwood make it attractive for turning[].

Propagation

Seed - germination takes place in about 3 months with 45 - 60% germinating[]. Because the seeds are relatively large, they can be planted in bags. The planting hole should be 2 cm deep and separated from other holes by 20 cm. The seeds are covered with fine, well packed soil, watered abundantly, and shaded during the first 6 months[].
The cones are collected from the tree or the ground. Old cones or seeds are not collected because the seeds are frequently attacked by a borer on the ground. Seeds are stored at 3 - 4°c[].

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