Podocarpus costalis or Texas podo is another plant that is under some durress in its native habitat. Collection of this plant from the wild is illegal in the Philippines and Taiwan.
Plants are often confused with a siste relative call Podocarpus polystachyus.
Based on what I am learning this is another plant I would prefer to protect. It seems it san be grown from seeds, though I am not sure about how to do that. I have just one plant from a previous permitted collection and I am going to put more interest into this plant to ensure it stays alive and thrives.
Podocarpus costalis specifics
- Core Identification & Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Podocarpus costalis
- Common Name: Arius, Texas podo
- Family: Podocarpaceae
- Varietals:
- Habitat/Range: Native to Philippines and Taiwan, island scrub low forest or limestone bluff.
- Morphology & Characteristics
- Growth Habit: Small shruby tree 1m to 5m tall
- Leaves:
- Flowers:
- Fruit/Seed: Edible
- Stem/Bark:
- Growth: Slow
- Bonsai Notes
- Sun Exposure: Full sun 4-8 hours daily. This plant can stand the afternoon sun.
- Water Use: Drought tolerant once established, moderate water, salt spray.
- Soil Mix: Limestone (anapog), Akadama, Pumice, Lava Rock
- Fertilizing: balanced fertilizer every 4 weeks during the active growing season (spring through autumn).
- Styling and Maintenance
- Pruning: Regular pruning is essentia.
- Defoliation: Partial or full leaf pruning can be used to reduce leaf size, making the tree appear more proportional as a miniature.
- Wiring: Branches can be wired year-round, but monitor the wire closely may scar if the wire “bites” in during periods of fast growth.
Gallery images
Firstly, we are uploading pictures of our plants to show the parts of a plant that may help in identification. Secondly, we only have so many plants and my photography skills are not actually skillful. Finally, if it would help to see another angle or view, view us a message and we will attempt to get the right picture perspective.
