Dacrydium Beccarii

Description

Dacrydium Beccarii, commonly known as Beccari’s Pine, is a species of coniferous tree in the Podocarpaceae family. This tree is native to Papua New Guinea and can grow up to 45 meters tall. Its trunk is straight and cylindrical, with a diameter of up to 100 cm, and its bark is smooth and greyish-brown. The leaves of Dacrydium Beccarii are needle-like and arranged in a spiral pattern around the branchlets. It is a dioecious plant, meaning that male and female reproductive organs are found on separate trees.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Dacrydium Beccarii has a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other conifers. Its needles are a bluish-green color and grow up to 3 cm long. The tree’s cones are also unique, as they are small and round, measuring only 1-2 cm in diameter. The cones are initially green but turn brown as they mature. The wood of Dacrydium Beccarii is light and durable, making it a popular choice for construction and furniture making.

Care Guide

The following care guide will help you keep your Dacrydium Beccarii tree healthy and thriving:

• Water: Dacrydium Beccarii prefers moist soil, so be sure to water it regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.
• Soil: Dacrydium Beccarii thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
• Sunlight: This tree prefers partial shade to full sun.
• Hardiness Zones: Dacrydium Beccarii is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Dacrydium Beccarii is generally a hardy tree, but it is susceptible to a few pests and diseases:

• Scale insects: These insects can infest the tree’s needles and cause yellowing and stunted growth. Use insecticidal soap to control the infestation.
• Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the tree. Ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent this disease.
• Needle blight: This fungal disease can cause the needles to turn brown and fall off. Prune affected branches and apply a fungicide to control the disease.

Habitat

Dacrydium Beccarii is native to Papua New Guinea, where it grows in lowland and montane rainforests. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun. This tree is slow-growing and can take up to 100 years to reach maturity.

Question and Answer

Here are some common questions and answers about Dacrydium Beccarii:

• Q: Is Dacrydium Beccarii a good tree for landscaping?
• A: Yes, Dacrydium Beccarii is an attractive tree with a unique appearance that can add interest to a landscape.
• Q: Can Dacrydium Beccarii tolerate drought?
• A: No, Dacrydium Beccarii prefers moist soil and is not drought-tolerant.
• Q: How do you propagate Dacrydium Beccarii?
• A: Dacrydium Beccarii can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
• Q: Is Dacrydium Beccarii a threatened species?
• A: Yes, Dacrydium Beccarii is listed as a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and overexploitation.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants in the Podocarpaceae family:

• Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu)
• Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea)
• Podocarpus totara (Totara)
• Araucaria cunninghamii (Hoop Pine)

References

• Farjon, A. (2013). Conifer Database. Retrieved from http://www.conifers.org/po/Dacrydium_beccarii.php
• IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. (2021). Dacrydium beccarii. Retrieved from https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/42369/2973460
• New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. (n.d.). Dacrydium beccarii. Retrieved from https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/dacrydium-beccarii/