4. Podocarpus henkelii, Long leafed Yellowwood

 

Podocarpus henkelii, stands in the Green House Courtyard

Falcate leaves

4. Long Leafed Yellowwood, Podocarpus henkelii

Artist’s Note:

Native to South Africa, this endangered species (IUNC Red List) is, surprisingly, a conifer with drooping long, slender leaves. The females produce cones. Sitting in Burbank’s greenhouse courtyard, next to the Victorian fountain, this evergreen, ornamental, pyramidal-shaped tree with shaggy bark casts deep shade and provides protected nesting space. The surrounding brick wall is embedded with tiles from the collection of Elizabeth Waters Burbank.

 

One of the functions of an arboretum is to be a depository, a safe haven for endangered species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species is the world’s most comprehensive global conservation information for the status of plants, animals and fungi.  

 

Vulgo: Long Leafed Yellowwood

 

Name: Podocarpus henkelii

 

Family: Podocarpaceae

Habit: Tree

Height: 35 ft (10 M)

Native to: South Africa

 

Leaf type: Simple

 

Shape: Falcate

 

Tip: Acute

 

Margin: Entire

 

Venation: Parallel

 

Surface: Smooth-glossy

 

Size: 5–7 in (12–17 cm)

 

Arrangement: Opposite and whorled when young

 

Pen and ink: Amber R Turner © 2020

IUNC Red list: Endangered species