Podocarpus-species
Even though South Africa is not rich in indigenous coniferous trees, arguably some of our most impressive trees fall into this category. Colloquially known as Yellowwoods, four species are found in South Africa and they are all protected in legislation.
1. The Outeniqua Yellowwood, Podocarpus (Afrocarpus) falcatus, is our tallest indigenous tree, growing to 60m and even taller in height – these enormous specimens are estimated to be more than a thousand years old! Sadly the majority of these most impressive trees were lost in rampant logging during the 1800’s. It is also known as the Bastard Yellowwood in the other African countries where it occurs. The IUCN lists it as being of least concern.
2. Henkel’s Yellowwood, Podocarpus henkelii, and also known as the Natal and Drooping-leaf Yellowwood, has a more restricted distribution and is mainly found in the forests of the Drakensberg in the Eastern Cape and Kwazulu-Natal. It can grow up to 30m tall and has a very recognisable pyramid-shaped growth form. The IUCN considers it to be an endangered species.
3. The Real Yellowwood or Broad-leaved Yellowwood, Podocarpus latifolius, is our officially designated national tree, and is considered to be of least concern by the IUCN. The Real Yellowwood grows to 35m tall.
4. The Breede River Yellowwood, Podocarpus elongatus, is the smallest of the four species found in South Africa and often appears more a multi-stemmed shrub than a tree, growing as wide as it does in height. It seldom grows taller than 6m, though some sheltered specimens have been measured at around 20m in height. It too is not considered to be in any danger in the opinion of the IUCN, though it occurs only in a relative small corner of the country in the winter rainfall region of the Western Cape province.
Occurring in coastal, riverine and montane forests, our Yellowwoods are slow-growing, evergreen trees that grow naturally in the moist south and east of the country. Yellowwoods are dioecious, which means there are separate male and female trees. You probably figured out that the wood is yellowish in colour, with that of the Outeniqua and Real Yellowwoods prized for making high-quality furniture, floors and ceilings. The Yellowwoods are also beautiful border or specimen plants in gardens, though they never attain their full potential size outside their native forests (which might be a good thing, come to think of it!). Various kinds of birds and animals consume the ripe fruit.
Yellowwoods are ancient trees, having been endemic to the super continent of Gondwana before it broke up into Africa, India, South America, Australia and their associated islands.
de Wets Wild 
A lovely tribute to these iconic trees.
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Quite worthy of the title as South Africa’s national trees, I think.
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Ek bly op Graskop en in ‘n area genaamd Fairyland is ‘n Yellowood 1000 jaar oud.
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Baie interessant, dankie Petru. Kan besoekers die boom gaan sien?
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Ja! Dis op die Jock of the Bushveld hiking trail.
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Ek gaan bietjie daaroor snuffel, dankie Petru!
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Graskop Info sal jou kan help. Nick vd Merwe. Daar’s ‘n 500 jaar Geelhout ook hier iewers.
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As julle in die area kom dalk … ‘n glas wyn by Canimambo … 🙋🏻♀️
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Baie dankie vir die inligting EN die uitnodiging, Petru! Ons was regtig te lanklaas in daardie geweste.
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🙋🏻♀️
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Dis so ‘n mooi boom! Hulle groei rerig baie stadig ek het een in my tuin in Eshowe gehad.
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En Eshowe met sy pragtge woud is die perfekte plek vir hulle!
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Ja, die woud is pragtig!
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“I think that I shall never see.
A poem lovely as a tree.”
Joyce Kilmer
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These majestic trees will certainly inspired prose and poetry! Thanks for a lovely contribution, John.
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Interesting and informative, excellent post.
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Thanks, Brian!
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I can vouch for the fact that they are very slow growing: we planted one in our garden twenty years ago and it still looks like a sapling! They are truly beautiful trees.
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Isn’t it amazing to think that small tree in your garden might still be there a thousand years from now bearing witness to your love of nature, Anne!?
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Given that I have fewer years ahead of me than behind, this is a wonderful thought! Thank you for that 🙂
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You deserve a living monument!
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It makes me happy to see trees because they’re so scarce here. There’s a book you might enjoy called “The Hidden Life of Trees.” I just started it, but my sister-in-law recommended it. Sounds fascinating.
janet
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Thank you very much, Janet – I’ll put the book on my list to check out next time we venture to the shops!
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Such good information and great photos, as always.
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Thank you kindly!
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I love trees, they are witnesses of our lives, the time keepers, also good listeners to humans and shelter givers to animals. Let’s keep them high and healthy. Good post, D. 🙂
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I agree wholeheartedly, H.J. All over the world we’re disrespectful of our trees.
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