Common Name: Cipresillo

General Information

Prumnopitys standleyi is an evergreen tree with a spreading crown; it can grow up to 25 metres tall[].
The tree is commonly harvested from the wild for its wood, which is used locally and also traded.
Prumnopitys standleyi, like most members of the Podocarpaceae, is much valued for its timber and is consequently subject to selective logging. The level of exploitation has been estimated to be up to 300 trees cut each year, with the most vulnerable forests outside of protected areas (ca. 52% of its range). Since 1992 the available habitat for this species has been reduced by 12.4% by deforestation and land conversion. Where forest is cleared for pasture, individual trees or small groups may be left standing to provide shade for cattle. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

C. America - Costa Rica

Habitat

A canopy tree in the montane rainforest belt; at elevations from 2,200 - 3, 310 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	20.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prumnopitys standleyi grows in areas with an annual temperature range of 3 - 25°c. It can tolerate short-lived frosts with occasional temperatures falling to between -1°c and +4.4°c. The annual rainfall is in the range 2,000 - 4,000mm[].

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 is relatively heavy (specific gravity of 0.555), dries quickly without defects, and has a fine, uniform texture. It is used in construction, flooring, indoor decoration, veneer, farming tools, fence posts and furniture[, ]. It is also pulped for making paper and cardboard[].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - presoak for 24 hours in warm water, then sow in a shady position in a nursery seedbed[].

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