Podocarpus elongatus

Location & distribution maps

Common name:         . . .

Conservation status: . . .

Etymology:   

• The name comes from Greek πούς (poús, "foot") + καρπός (karpós, "fruit")

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Additional notes:     

• Description

  • It can be distinguished from the other yellowwood species of Southern Africa by its relatively elongated, grey-blue leaves (hence its species name "elongatus"), and by its round, bushy shape 

  • Note however, that Podocarpus henkelii was not described until after the name Podocarpus elongatus was established, and its leaves are decidedly longer, which might lead to some confusion

  • Podocarpus elongatus generally grows about as wide as it is tall, and its foliage reaches very low, roughly resembling a hut in habit

• Range and habit

  • It occurs only in South Africa, where it is restricted to the Breede River valley in the Western Cape and its range extends as far north as the Cedarberg mountains

  • It typically grows along rivers and on rocky outcrops in fynbos vegetation

  • This is the only South African yellowwood species that coppices when the trunk is damaged

  • It is a riverine species, and its ability to coppice is important to its survival in the event of its being levelled by floods or bushfires

  • As a garden tree it is sometimes grown as an ornamental feature and its fruit attracts birds. Climatically it is hardier than other yellowwood species in surrounding regions

Sources of information:

•   (2024)