plum pine is the common name and this tree belongs to its own family called podacarpaceae and belongs to the conifers group.
The Podacarpus family has been used in ornamental gardens, including Japanese gardens for over 1000 years.
The native Podacarpus elatus has natural stands in NSW including the Central Coast and Hunter Valley all the way up to Queensland.
The timber from this tree which can grow slowly up to 20-35 metres in height, if placed in a dark spot has been used in cabinet making and for houses. Due to the use of this timber, few stands of the original trees exist.
This plant has an extremely ancient history. The plant is dioecious, having both male and female plants, do I strongly advise that you buy more than 2 plants so you get some fruit, which is a 2cm diameter circular shape with the attached hard seed.
The shiny pointy leaves are lanceolate in shape and seed is attached to attractive purple fruit which is good for jams is ripe in May.
The plant can be heavily pruned and shaped and can also make a great bonsai or screen.
