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Description
Podocarpus Elongatus, commonly known as the Longleaf Yellowwood, is a slow-growing evergreen tree that can reach up to 15 meters in height. It is native to South Africa and is often used as a hedging plant due to its dense foliage and neat, upright growth habit. The Longleaf Yellowwood produces oblong, leathery leaves that are a glossy dark green color, and small clusters of greenish-white flowers that bloom in spring. The tree also produces small, egg-shaped berries that turn from green to purple-black when ripe.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Podocarpaceae |
| Genus | Podocarpus |
Appearance
The Longleaf Yellowwood has a neat, upright growth habit with a pyramidal shape. It typically grows to be around 15 meters tall with a spread of 4-6 meters. The tree produces oblong, leathery leaves that are a glossy dark green color and can grow up to 10 cm long. In the spring, the tree produces small clusters of greenish-white flowers that are followed by small, egg-shaped berries that turn from green to purple-black when ripe.
Care Guide
Water: The Longleaf Yellowwood prefers well-drained soil that is kept evenly moist. It is important to avoid letting the soil dry out completely, but also to avoid overwatering.
Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.
Soil: The Longleaf Yellowwood prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: The Longleaf Yellowwood prefers full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: The Longleaf Yellowwood is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Longleaf Yellowwood is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, and root rot if the soil is kept too moist.
Habitat
The Longleaf Yellowwood is native to South Africa, where it can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and savannas. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Longleaf Yellowwood be grown in a container?
A: While the Longleaf Yellowwood can be grown in a container, it is not recommended, as the tree can grow quite large and requires a lot of space for its roots.
Q: How often should I water my Longleaf Yellowwood?
A: The Longleaf Yellowwood prefers well-drained soil that is kept evenly moist. Water the tree when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Q: What is the best time of year to prune a Longleaf Yellowwood?
A: The best time to prune a Longleaf Yellowwood is in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Q: Can the Longleaf Yellowwood tolerate frost?
A: The Longleaf Yellowwood is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from frost in colder climates.
Related Plants
- Podocarpus Macrophyllus
- Podocarpus Gracilior
- Podocarpus Henkelii
References
- “Podocarpus elongatus.” PlantZAfrica. South African National Biodiversity Institute, n.d. Web. 12 May 2021.
- Dirr, Michael A. “Podocarpus: A World Overview.” Arnoldia 61.3 (2003): 2-11. JSTOR. Web. 12 May 2021.
- Watson, Ben. “Podocarpus elongatus.” The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, 2013. Web. 12 May 2021.
