Manios (Podocarpus)

podocarpus elongatus

podocarpus elongatus

The Podocarpus They are a series of conifers considered primitive, since there is a theory that says that they already lived in the supercontinent Gondwana about 200 million years ago. To this day, the genus is made up of 105 species, and many of them grown in gardens and patios.

And the reasons are not lacking: they are resistant to cold, and have a high ornamental value. Oh, and some can be grown in pots, which is certainly very interesting for those of us who want to enjoy one on the patio or terrace.

Origin and characteristics

Podocarpus parlatorei

Podocarpus parlatorei
Image - Wikimedia / Stefan sauzuk

Known as mañíos, they are conifers that are currently found in cold-temperate regions, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. They are evergreen, which means that they remain evergreen all year round (although they do drop some leaves as new ones are brought out). They can reach a height between 1 and 25 meters (rarely 40m).

The leaves are 0,5 to 15cm long, lanceolate to oblong in shape, and generally spiral on the branches. The fruit is a pineapple with one or two viable seeds.

Main species

The most popular are:

  • Podocarpus macrophyllus: known as the podocarp of Japan, it is a conifer of 7 to 7 meters high native to Japan and China.
  • Podocarpus neriifolius: it is a conifer of 10 to 20 meters native to the tropical and subtropical forests of Asia.
  • Podocarpus oleifolius: known as romerón or chaquiro pine, it is a conifer of up to 15 meters in height originating from the South of North America to Peru.

Uses

These plants are used as decorative elements in gardens, patios and terraces, but also for their wood to make fine furniture.

What are their cares?

Podocarpus oleifolius

Podocarpus oleifolius
Image - Wikimedia / CT Johansson

If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

  • Location: they are plants that must be outdoors, in full sun or in semi-shade.
  • Earth:
    • Pot: can be grown in mulch no problem.
    • Garden: requires cool, well-drained soils.
  • Irrigation: water 3-4 times during the summer, and once a week the rest.
  • Subscriber: from the beginning of spring to the end of summer it is interesting to add a little organic fertilizer every month, for example from guano or manure.
  • Multiplication: by seeds or softwood cuttings in late winter.
  • Pruning: late winter, to shape it.
  • Rusticity: it depends on the species, but in general they resist up to -9ºC.

What do you think of these plants?


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