Podocarpus nakaii is a species of conifer in the family Podocarpaceae. It is endemic to Taiwan, scattered in broad-leaf forests in the central part of this island. Ponesterone, which is similar to insect's moulting hormone ecdysone, is obtained from this plant. It was the first ecdysone isolated by Nkanishi et al.[1]

Podocarpus nakaii
Podocarpus nakaii
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Gymnospermae
Division: Pinophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Araucariales
Family: Podocarpaceae
Genus: Podocarpus
Species:
P. nakaii
Binomial name
Podocarpus nakaii

According to the survey results of the sample area, there are about 100 Podocarpus nakaii per hectare. The diameter at breast height of the largest plant is about 30 cm, but nearly 90% of the trees have a diameter at breast height of less than 10 cm; the height of the trees is less than 10 meters. These characteristics show that the Podocarpus nakaii is a shade-tolerant species in the lower layer of the forest. The young seedlings are protected by the big trees and can grow well under the shade of the big trees.[2]

Podocarpus nakaii is a good garden plant because of its beautiful tree shape and lovely bright red receptacles. In addition, according to scholars’ chemical analysis and related activity tests, its bark is considered to have anti-cancer potential.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ a b Thomas, P.; Farjon, A. (2013). "Podocarpus nakaii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T34091A2845003. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T34091A2845003.en. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b 行政院農業委員會林業試驗所新聞稿 (2017-09-26). "世界級的稀有植物–桃實百日青" (pdf). 行政院農業委員會林業試驗所. Retrieved 2021-10-26.