Podocarpium oldhamii
Podocarpium oldhamiifam. Podocarpaceae
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Pl. AD98 — Podocarpium oldhamii
Podocarpium oldhamiiPodocarpium oldhamiiPodocarpium oldhamiiPodocarpium oldhamiiPodocarpium oldhamiiPodocarpium oldhamiiPodocarpium oldhamiiPodocarpium oldhamiiPodocarpium oldhamiiPodocarpium oldhamiiPodocarpium oldhamiiPodocarpium oldhamiiPodocarpium oldhamiiPodocarpium oldhamii
IOverview
Overview
Podocarpium oldhamii, a member of the Podocarpaceae family, is a perennial shrub native to regions including China North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast, as well as Japan, Korea, Manchuria, and Primorye. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light: full sun exposure and can grow up to 1.2 meters in height. Known for its edible seed and seedpod, it is both ornamental and useful as a food source. One distinctive feature of Podocarpium oldhamii is its adaptability to various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes in suitable climates.
Quick answers
What is Podocarpium oldhamii?
Podocarpium oldhamii, a member of the Podocarpaceae family, is a perennial shrub native to regions including China North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast, as well as Japan, Korea, Manchuria, and Primorye. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light: full sun exposure and can grow up to 1.
Compare with:Podocarpium podocarpum→Podocarpium podocarpum japonicum→Alpine Totara→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Podocarpium oldhamii thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is a perennial that grows to about 1.2 meters tall. The plant is native to regions including China North-Central, South-Central, Southeast, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, and Primorye. Propagation can be done through seed or seedpod. Given its natural habitat in temperate regions, it should be hardy but may require protection in colder climates outside of its native range.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Podocarpium oldhamii for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance plant that will thrive in your local conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
Skip seeds or young plants, potting soil, a container, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Skip during the spring when temperatures are mild and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure your container has drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant Skip seeds directly in the ground or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before outdoor planting. Transplant young plants carefully to avoid damaging roots.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place Skip in a partially shaded area for the first few days, then move it to full sun once established.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to maintain moisture levels and fertilize sparingly with balanced plant food during spring and summer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Focus on pruning Skip for shape and health. Harvest seedpods if desired, but be cautious as the seeds are small and delicate.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun without acclimation, using heavy clay soil without drainage, and neglecting regular watering.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:SeedSeedpod
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:Pest controlNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 7 native
Asia3 regions
native (3)ChinaJapanSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Primorye
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Podocarpaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Podocarpaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
XII
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