Oleander Podocarp (Podocarpus neriifolius)

Family: Podocarpaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Podocarpus neriifolius or otherwise known as Brown Pine is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia that grows up to 45 m tall and 100 cm across. It has a dome-shaped canopy, cylindrical and straight trunk, and is buttressed for up to 2 m high. It is a dioecious species. The bark is grey-brown, scaly, and cracked. The leaves taper to the tip and are oval in shape. Leaf decoction is used as remedy for rheumatism and arthritis.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - raw. The orange-red fruit is about 8 - 10 _ 5 - 8mm. — The orange-red fruit is about 8 - 10 _ 5 - 8mm.

Habitat & North American Range

A subcanopy to occasional canopy tree in evergreen broadleaved forests. Hill and montane forests. Hot, humid forests, coastal and lowland swamp forests, on volcanic soils. (Zone 9)