Podocarpus elatus

Podocarpus elatus Details

Podocarpus elatus, otherwise known as the Plum Pine, Brown Pine, Illawarra Plum or the Queensland Christmas Tree, is an evergreen tree that is favoured for its fleshy fruits. Dark blue seed cones have a fleshy base that is edible and quite tasty. It features mid-green foliage that is held somewhat densely on a tree that can grow to 30 m tall and 8 m wide. It can, however, be contained with trimming. Best results with this tree are achieved when it is grown in full sun on a well-drained site. It is tolerant of mild drought, moderate frost, some wind, and coastal environments. Podocarpus elatus is commonly included in a mixed planting in a large garden, grown as a specimen, or planted specifically for its edible cones.