PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal wind exposure and light dappled shade in hot climates
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5–7 cm of soil is dry; avoid standing water to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in 10–25°C; tolerant of light short-term frost down to -2°C once established
Characteristics
- Leaf: Linear, glossy dark green leaves, 8–15 cm long, arranged spirally on stems
- Cones: Male cones are small, yellow, clustered at branch tips; female cones develop fleshy, plum-like edible arils
- Stem: Straight, cylindrical trunk with rough, dark brown bark
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; increase frequency during hot, dry spells
Fertilization
Diluted balanced slow-release fertilizer every 4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause leaf burn and weak growth
Eggshell powder top dressing：Grind dried eggshells into a fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the base of the plant and gently work into the topsoil to avoid disturbing rootsPruning
- Prune in late winter to shape the tree and remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches
- Thin dense foliage to improve airflow and light penetration into the inner canopy
- Trim back new growth to maintain desired size for potted specimens; avoid heavy pruning of mature branches
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; contains podophyllotoxin, causing vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy
Humans: Ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset including nausea and diarrhea
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental screening tree; ripe fleshy arils are edible for humans
