Yew Plum Pine Live Plant (Podocarpus macrophyllus)

Yew Plum Pine: A Majestic Evergreen with Medicinal Legacy and Edible Wonders

— Timeless, Tolerant, and Truly Exotic —

Graceful, hardy, and spiritually revered, the Yew Plum Pine, botanically known as Podocarpus macrophyllus, is more than just an ornamental evergreen. Native to the warm-temperate regions of southern Japan and eastern China, this coniferous species holds ancient medicinal secrets, cultural significance, and even offers edible fruits with a sweet twist. Commonly called Buddhist Pine, Fern Pine, or Japanese Yew, this plant is ideal for those seeking elegance, resilience, and subtle utility in their garden.

Botanical Identity and Global Common Names

• Botanical Name: Podocarpus macrophyllus

• Common Names:

  • Yew Plum Pine

  • Buddhist Pine (widely used in East Asian countries)

  • Japanese Yew (common in landscaping references)

  • Fern Pine (due to its narrow, fern-like leaves)

• Native Regions:

  • Japan: Especially in Kyushu and the Ryukyu Islands

  • China: Southern and eastern provinces

  • Kenya (Africa): Used in traditional Maasai herbal remedies

This plant has seamlessly adapted to tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate climates and is increasingly sought after for both medicinal and landscape value.

Fruit Characteristics and Taste

The fruits of the Yew Plum Pine resemble glossy berries, although they are technically fleshy cones. Their appearance and taste set them apart as an intriguing garden bonus.

• Fruit Appearance:

  • Berry-like, cylindrical or oval cones

  • Ripen from green to a striking reddish-purple hue

  • Fleshy exterior surrounds a single, hard, inedible seed

• Taste Profile:

  • The edible fleshy part is sweet and chewy, often likened to gumdrops

  • Mild in flavor but pleasant and subtly fruity

  • Not commercially cultivated for culinary purposes but occasionally consumed fresh where grown

Note: Only the fleshy outer part is edible. The seed must be discarded.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Use

The Podocarpus macrophyllus has long been valued in folk medicine traditions. Both leaves and plant extracts are used to manage several ailments.

• Traditional Medicinal Uses:

  • Used in Chinese herbal practices to relieve fever, cough, and asthma

  • In African traditions, notably by the Maasai tribe, used to treat cholera, venereal diseases, and eye infections

  • Leaf decoctions are applied externally for cuts, fractures, and skin conditions

• Health-Boosting Properties:

  • Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds in the foliage

  • Believed to aid in respiratory wellness

  • Natural deodorizing properties

  • Folk belief in cleansing negative energy when planted around homes or temples

Though modern nutritional analysis of the fruit itself is limited due to its niche status, the plant’s legacy in ethnomedicine is well acknowledged.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

The Buddhist Pine is not just valued for its botanical qualities but holds deep spiritual and cultural meaning.

• Planted near temples and shrines in Japan and China for centuries

• Symbol of longevity, calm, and protection

• Used in feng shui gardens to promote balance and spiritual harmony

• In urban Asian landscapes, seen as a sacred and protective species, often grown in bonsai form for meditative spaces

Its symbolism and resilience make it a favorite in peace gardens, temple courtyards, and elegant home landscapes.

Plant Characteristics and Growth

The Yew Plum Pine is a slow-growing, long-living tree that adjusts beautifully to various garden formats—whether as a privacy screen, container plant, or bonsai specimen.

• Growth Habit:

  • Can grow as a dense shrub or a small to medium-sized tree

  • Height: 6–12 feet in home gardens; up to 50 feet in native habitats

  • Evergreen foliage with glossy, narrow leaves resembling yew needles

• Sun and Soil Requirements:

  • Prefers partial shade to full sun

  • Grows best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil

  • Tolerates pruning, shaping, and urban pollution

• Maintenance Notes:

  • Low water needs once established

  • Requires only light pruning to maintain shape

  • Pest-resistant and hardy in tropical and subtropical regions

Its elegant form and tough nature make it ideal for both formal hedging and naturalistic garden designs.

Harvesting, Handling, and Preservation

• Fruit Harvest Time: Late summer to early autumn

• How to Use:

  • Ripe fruits can be picked by hand

  • Wash and consume only the fleshy part; discard seed

• Storage:

  • Fruits do not store for long; best eaten fresh

  • Can be frozen for short periods for experimental culinary use

Preservation mainly relates to medicinal uses—leaves and bark can be dried for decoctions.

How It Adds Meaning to Your Garden and Daily Life

• Acts as a natural air purifier with evergreen foliage

• Fruits provide a natural, chewable treat—safe and enjoyable for curious gardeners

• Brings calm, structure, and spiritual aesthetics to landscapes

• Medicinal history offers insight into the healing traditions of Asia and Africa

• Fits well into both minimalist modern gardens and heritage landscapes

Bring Home a Piece of Ancient Wisdom

At Veliyath Gardens, we present the Yew Plum Pine Live Plant as a timeless addition to your green space—where beauty meets resilience, and fruit meets tradition. Whether you're drawn to its cultural depth, medicinal history, or serene structure, this is a plant that connects deeply with those who appreciate rare and meaningful botanical treasures.

Add this graceful conifer to your home or garden and watch how it transforms your space with its quiet strength and subtle fruiting wonder.