Podocarpium oldhamii - (Oliv.)Y.C.Yang.&P.H.Huang.
(Oliv.)Y.C.Yang.&P.H.Huang.
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Podocarpium oldhamii is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Tea. Seed - cooked. Young seedpods. No more details. A tea is made from the leaves.
Medicinal Uses
Blood tonic Depurative Diuretic. The whole plant is used medicinally for eliminating toxins in the body, promoting blood production and diuresis.
Distribution
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: Russian Federation (Primorye), China (east), Korea, Japan (Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku)
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a well-drained soil and a sunny sheltered position. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Scarify and pre-soak stored seed for 5 hours in warm water then sow March in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates within 1 - 4 months at 25°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer and consider giving them some protection from frost in their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame. Division as the plant comes into growth in the spring. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Root cuttings in winter.
Other Uses
Insecticide. The whole plant is used as an insecticide.
