9Greenbox - Plum Pine Bonsai, Podocarpus elatus

Description

Podocarpus elatus is native to Eastern Australia and is popular as a bonsai. These evergreens can grow over sixty feet tall, with long, elegant leaves. The fruits are edible, and have been harvested for generations for culinary uses. Their timber has been used for creating boats and furniture. People often keep them in their front yards in old Australian neighborhoods, but can be kept in small containers as bonsai. Their hardiness makes them perfect for first starters and beginners.

Product Features

• Growth rate is slow for the first two years, and the trees can tolerate temporary bouts of frost, but they are primarily coastal trees. They are even resistant to high amounts of salt spray.
• Apply small amounts of fertilizer from late winter to spring to encourage growth. Prefers full sun, and a rich non-alkaline soil with a pH of 5.5 - 6.5. 
• It can take up to 10 years for a seeded plant to reach sexual maturity. They are resistant to honey fungus, and are known for surviving forest fires.
• The fruit makes a delicious sweet jelly. The fruit itself is about 25mm in diameter, and the seeds sprout on top. Germination takes up to 4 weeks.
• The wood is highly durable and resistant to termites. Its silky texture makes it easy to polish, and can even be used to make instruments.