Trees 1 - Willow Podocarp (Podocarpus salignus)

Many of our Parks and Gardens are home to many interesting and unusual trees that can be enjoyed all year round. This tree was photographed at Nymans Garden. Although it looks like a willow, it is in fact a coniferous tree that comes from Chile. The tree reaches an ultimate height of 8-12 metres and an ultimate spread of 4-8 metres. It is however slow growing as it will take 20 to 50 years to reach its maximum height. The tree is native to Chile and nowhere else. Due to habitat loss there it is a threatened species. The tree yields good wood that is used in making furniture and in construction. The leaves are unusually broad for a conifer which helps to make it a very distinctive tree.