Tree species

Greening Nature with Podocarpus neriifolius

Podocarpus neriifolius

Black pine as Podocarpus neriifolius tree is also known for appears on humid, fertile soil, especially sandy soils, but also growing on clay-stony soil of Koh Chang.  This tree species is sighted growing mixed with broad-leaved trees which at times regarded as belonging to canopy species of trees.

Podocarpus neriifolius tree usually occurs as scattered individuals in primary forests of remote areas, growing sparsely along water courses. It grows and reaches the height of 5-30 meters and its diameter at breast height (dbh) is measured at 10-100 centimeters. The mature one oftentimes has a clear round bole up to 20 meters. It has a dome-shaped crown, vermiculate branches, and yellow-brown bark. The leaves are measured 7-15 centimeters long and 0.9-1.9 centimeters wide; they are found to be linear, alternate and the tip is gradually acute. Its 3-5 millimeters petiole is fissured beneath. The midrib is abruptly raised on the upper side of the leaf at least 0.3 millimeter high and usually at 0.6-0.8 millimeter wide and as little as 0.4 millimeter wide on less vigorous leaves. Its pollen cones are grouped at leaf-axil and sub-terminal. When old, they become ovoid and sessile. Female cone is solitary with fleshy receptacle and flat below. It is usually measured at 0.5-1.0 centimeter long.

Considered as one of the locally common primary rainforests trees from near sea level to around 2100 meters above sea level, Podocarpus neriifolius is identified with other species causing confusion as to its exact character. In spite of the great geographical range of this tree species, the most distinct element is in the substantially isolated occurrence where primary foliage bud scales can reach 5.0 millimeters and where extra vascular resin canals are often found in its leaves. In some areas like in Borneo, the midrib on the upper surface of the leaf is weak while the leaves of this tree species from India to southeastern Asia including Thailand and particularly at Koh Chang are more commonly lance late and the foliage buds are measures no more than 2.0 millimeters long with barely spreading primary scales.