African Fern-Pine, Dwarf-Podocarpus

Afrocarpus gracilior (Pilg.) Page

afro-CAR-pus grah-SILL-ee-or

Conifers - Podocarpaceae

Explanation of name: Generic name apparently a hybrid name, implying “the Podocarpus from Africa.” Gracilior means thinner, presumably in comparison with Podocarpus.

Synonym: Podocarpus gracilior Pilger

Natural range: Africa

Recognition (data largely from BA1): Similarto and closely related to Podocarpus but differing from the popular Podocarpus macrophyllus D. Don by have the lone seed not on an elongated “stalk” (receptacle), and by having the leaves finer, smaller (2”-4” X up to ¼” vs. 3”-4” X 1/3”), without a prominent midvein.

Landscape uses: The foliage is fine-textured and dense, with a blue-gray coloration. The overall shape can be spreading, sometimes more like a broadleaf tree than a conifer. Although often grown in containers, able to become a full sized tree. African-Ferntree is a medium-fast, medium-sized option as a shade tree or screen, suitable for the north side of a building or other partially shaded spot.