Podocarpus lawrencei

Hook. f.

Mountain Plum Pine

Podocarpaceae Edible: Fruit Potential hazards — see below 471 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Podocarpus lawrencei is a species of podocarp native throughout the Australian high country, from southern Tasmania through to the New South Wales highlands. Common names are Errinundra plum-pine and mountain plum-pine (though it is neither a pine nor a plum). It grows on exposed sites to 1,800 m, often forming living carpets over rocks through wind pruning. Mountain plum-pine can live up to 600 years, and the growth rings vary with the temperature of the growing season, with narrower rings indicating unusually snowy years. These factors make it useful for determining past climate conditions in the Australian Alps.

Description

A low growing pine. It grows 0.4-4 m high and spreads 1-3 m wide. It is small and gnarled. Young growth is pale green and has a waxy layer. The branches can lie along the ground. It becomes taller in sheltered sites. The small branches are ribbed. The leaves are small, closely packed and blue-green. They are 0.5-1.5 cm long by 0.15-0.4 cm wide. They are alternate. They are deep green above and paler underneath. The male cones are about 0.4 cm long. They can occur singly or in clusters. They are cylinder shaped and pink or purple. The female cones are in the axils of leaves and do not have stalks. The fruit are bright red. They are succulent. Several different forms of this plant exist.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It is on the small side — measuring about 6 x 5mm — but has a pleasant, slightly sweet flavour and a mucilaginous texture.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Known Hazards

Superficially similar to Taxus species, but this plant is definitely not poisonous.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It grows in alpine regions. It grows above 1000 m altitude. They need well drained acid soil. They can tolerate frost and snow. They can withstand strong winds. Often it grows on rocky scree slopes. Hobart Botanical gardens. Melbourne Botanical Gardens. It suits hardiness zones 7-10. Tasmania Herbarium. Arboretum Tasmania.

Where It Grows

Australia*, New Zealand, Tasmania*,

Cultivation

Prefers a rich moist non-alkaline soil. Grows best in sheltered areas with a humid climate. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. There is some confusion over this species, the Flora of Australia says that it is endemic to Australia, whilst our other records say that it is a New Zealand plant. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagation

Seed can be sown at any time of year in sandy soil in a warm greenhouse, though sowing as soon as it is ripe is ideal. Prick seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe terminal shoots, 5–10cm long, can be taken in July or August and rooted in a frame.

Other Uses

None known.

Production

It is slow growing.

Notes

There are about 100 Podocarpus species. They are mostly in the tropics and subtropics.

References (15)

Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 814
Codd, P., Payne, B. & Woolcock, C., 1998, The Plant Life of Kosciusko. Kangaroo Press. p 54
Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1064
Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1997, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 7. Lothian. p 395 (Photo)
Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 237

Show all 15 references

Holliday, I., 1989, A Field Guide to Australian Trees. Hamlyn. p 288
London. J. Bot. 4:151. 1845
Kirkpatrick, J., 1997, Alpine Tasmania, An Illustrated guide to the flora and vegetation. Oxford, p 20
Lord, E.E., & Willis, J.H., 1999, Shrubs and Trees for Australian gardens. Lothian. p 88
Low, T., 1992, Bush Tucker. Australia’s Wild Food Harvest. Angus & Robertson. p 44, 45
Ratcliffe D & P., 1987, Australian Native Plants for Indoors. Little Hills press. p 118
Ryan, S., 2008, Dicksonia. Rare Plants Manual. Hyland House. p 70
Salmon, J.T., 1989, The Native Trees of New Zealand. Heinmann Reid p 62 (As Podocarpus lawrencii)
Tasmanian Herbarium Vascular Plants list p 94
Whiting, J. et al, 2004, Tasmania's Natural Flora. Tasmania's Natural Flora Editorial Committee PO Box 194, Ulverstone, Tasmania, Australia 7315 p 12