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Podocarpus Elatus

Podocarpus Elatus

Description

Podocarpus Elatus, also known as the Brown Pine, is a large evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. It is native to Australia, specifically in the eastern part of the country, and is commonly found in rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, and riparian zones. This tree has a straight trunk with a diameter of up to 1 meter, and its bark is dark brown and rough.

Taxonomic Information

Domain Eukaryota
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Coniferophyta
Class Pinopsida
Order Pinales
Family Podocarpaceae
Genus Podocarpus

Appearance

The leaves of Podocarpus Elatus are dark green, glossy, and leathery, with a length of 6 to 12 cm and a width of 1 to 2 cm. They are arranged in a spiral pattern along the branches, giving the tree a dense and bushy appearance. The male and female cones are separate, with the male cones being smaller and yellowish-brown, and the female cones being larger and bluish-purple. The fruit is a fleshy drupe that is green when young and turns purple-black when ripe.

Care Guide

Podocarpus Elatus is a relatively easy tree to care for. Here are some tips:

  • Water: Water the tree deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in winter.
  • Fertilization: Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer.
  • Soil: Plant in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
  • Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
  • Hardiness Zones: Can be grown in zones 9 to 11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Podocarpus Elatus is generally free from serious pests and diseases, but it may be susceptible to the following:

  • Scales: These insects can be controlled with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
  • Root rot: Caused by overwatering, this disease can be prevented by planting in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering.

Habitat

Podocarpus Elatus is native to the eastern part of Australia, where it is commonly found in rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, and riparian zones. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate a range of temperatures and humidity levels.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Podocarpus Elatus be grown in a container?

A: Yes, it can be grown in a container, but it will require frequent watering and fertilization.

Q: How fast does Podocarpus Elatus grow?

A: It can grow up to 1 meter per year in ideal conditions.

Q: Is Podocarpus Elatus poisonous to pets?

A: The fruit of the tree is toxic to pets if ingested.

Q: Can Podocarpus Elatus be used for bonsai?

A: Yes, it can be trained as a bonsai tree.

Related Plants

  • Podocarpus Macrophyllus
  • Podocarpus Totara
  • Podocarpus Henkelii
  • Podocarpus Nivalis

References

  • “Podocarpus Elatus.” Australian Native Plants Society Australia. https://anpsa.org.au/p-ela.html
  • “Podocarpus Elatus.” Floridata. https://floridata.com/plant/1356
  • “Podocarpus Elatus.” San Marcos Growers. https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=571

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