[SYANBS] Podocarpus drouynianus

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tarlek
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[SYANBS] Podocarpus drouynianus

Post by tarlek »

Another late entry. This is the endemic southwestern australian podocarpus species, with a big woody lignotuber. I think people have the idea that these won't get big. Not so! With sufficient water and sun, they'll get pretty big.

Here's a photo of a p. droynianus that I grabbed from a study:
Image

Apparently this is regrowth 50 years after a fire (although obviously the root mass would've already been quite huge before it got burned). Not sure if 5 years is long enough to make a decent bonsai but I'd like to try. My strategy is to raise the lignotuber once it gets big enough to pass for a trunk.

I peel the drupes until I hit green and then stick them in damp spagnum moss until the radicle pops out. Then I plant them out.

The "fruit": Image

Early on: Image

Today: Image

Third from the right is actually the oldest but I snapped the taproot in half accidentally when I potted it up. It'll be interesting to see if it changes the root structure at all. It's quite blue, maybe from stress. I'll post again next time I get a look at the roots
Patmet
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Re: [SYANBS] Podocarpus drouynianus

Post by Patmet »

Great to see you trying some of the iconic Western Australian species. I have had some of these emu plums before. Just small seedlings my brother gave me some years ago. Unfortunately they deteriorated and died due to overwatering and general neglect. I would like to try this again. Even if it didn't end up making the best bonsai I think it would be excellent as a kusamono also.
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