Podocarpus dispermus

C. T. White

Brown pine

Podocarpaceae Edible: Fruit 20 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Podocarpus dispermus is a species of conifer in the family Podocarpaceae known commonly as the broad-leaved brown pine. It is endemic to Queensland, Australia, where it is limited to the eastern Atherton Tableland. This species grows in scattered subpopulations. It is part of the rainforest understory. The seed is dispersed by southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) and musky rat-kangaroos (Hypsiprymnodon moschatus).

Description

A medium sized tree. It grows 5-15 m high and spreads 3-8 m wide. The bark is slightly flaky. It is light brown to grey. The small branches are ribbed. The leaves are simple and 27-45 cm long by 2-3.5 cm wide. They have veins running along the leaf. The leaves are alternate and have short stalks. The leaves are smooth and shiny. The male cone is 5 cm long by 0.3 cm wide. The female cone is in the axils of leaves and is enlarged. The fruit is made up of a green part which is 17-22 mm long by 12-19 mm wide then a red receptacle which is 27-45 mm long. The fruit occur singly or in bunches in the axils of leaves. There is one seed inside. The seed is 10-13 mm long by 8-10 mm wide. The red flesh is edible.

Edible Uses

The red fleshy receptacle of the fruit is edible.

Distribution

It suits tropical and subtropical regions. It needs well drained acid soil. They grow naturally in rainforest in NE Queensland in Australia. It grows between 40-720 m above sea level. In Cairns BG.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seed or from cuttings of firm young growth.

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. The seed germinates readily. 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.

Other Uses

The species would have been used by early European settlers for light construction work.

Notes

There are about 110 Podocarpus species. They are mostly in the tropics and subtropics.

Also Known As

Broad leaved brown pine, Double-seeded podocarp

References (5)

Cooper W & Cooper W T, 1994, Fruits of the Rain Forest. RD Press p 228
Cooper, W. and Cooper, W., 2004, Fruits of the Australian Tropical Rainforest. Nokomis Editions, Victoria, Australia. p 6
Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1997, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 7. Lothian. p 393
Smith, K & I., 1999, Grow your own bushfoods. New Holland. Australia. p 43
Townsend, K., 1994, Across the Top. Gardening with Australian Plants in the tropics. Society for Growing Australian Plants, Townsville Branch Inc. p 318