Podocarpus

A fine conifer showing an enviable muscularity growing from the slopes of a rugged limestone mountain. Eschewing an unimaginative verticality, these old trees favored a more imaginative approach to what constitutes being a tree without sacrificing but rather enhancing, beauty. The evergreen needles are more blunt than similar populations in Vietnam and on female plants, the green, small olive-like seed is borne at the end of larger fleshy aril that as it ripens, turns from red to an evening purple. This dispersal mechanism is well-adapted to animals and especially birds, as they can travel great distances, efficient flocks of Johnny Podocarpusseeds. This appreciates some shade to prevent yellowing and has been hardy here at Far Reaches to 10F.

A very graceful conifer from Mexico and Guatemala that is looking like a great candidate for our zone 8-9 gardens. New leaves droop fetchingly giving this a lissome almost weeping appearance. This will eventually get big but not in your lifetime as it is slow. Best in filtered sun or light shade.