Featured Plant

Henkel’s yellowwood (Podocarpus henkelii) is an evergreen tree native to southern Africa. Though not uncommon in cultivation, this species is considered Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. In the wild the species experiences threats due to a fragmented population, deforestation, and overharvesting.

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Henkel’s yellowwood occurs in South Africa, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, however, within this range, the species only occurs in a small number of fragmented populations. Additionally, it is widely logged in Tanzania. There are some protections for this species, though, in addition to conservation efforts. Some of these fragmented parts of the population occur in protected areas, such as national parks, in both Malawi and South Africa. In South Africa, Podocarpus henkelii, along with three other native Podocarpus species, was even included as a tree of the year in 2018 and was planted throughout the Western Cape province. This project sought to increase awareness about indigenous trees in the country and their importance and the need for conservation of these species.

In its native range, where it occurs in forests, Henkel’s yellowwood plays an important ecological role as mature trees are often nesting sites for the endemic Cape parrot (Poicephalus robustus). This same species of parrot also relies on the kernel of the seeds as an important source of food.

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Henkel’s yellowwood is a useful timber tree and has a number of uses in activities such as construction or furniture making. The species is also a popular ornamental tree due in part to its pyramidal form and its long, drooping foliage that remains a vibrant green year-round. Henkel’s yellowwood can be seen in planted in its native range in addition to areas outside of its native range, including California.

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The species occurs in a variety of habitats from montane rainforests at elevations of up to 6000 ft to coastal forests in South Africa.

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Additionally, different parts of Podocarpus henkelii have been used to treat a number of illnesses in both humans and animals.

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Featured Plant Contributors: Text by Victoria Stewart. Photos by Saxon Holt and Steve Gensler.