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— 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Low water needs once established
Requires only light pruning to maintain shape
Pest-resistant and hardy in tropical and subtropical regions
Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds in the foliage
Believed to aid in respiratory wellness
Natural deodorizing properties
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