Dacrycarpus imbricatus is a species in the genus Podocarpus (family Podocarpaceae).

Protection class

It is a Class III national protected plant. It is also listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Distribution and habitat

It is distributed in Hainan, including Qiongzhong, Baoting, Lingshui, Changjiang, Baisha, Ledong, Dongfang, and Sanya.

This tree species grows in valleys or by streams and rivers of the mountains at elevations from 400-1000 meters, where it is often mixed with evergreen broad-leaved trees or represents the dominant species in some areas. It prefers warm (18-23°C) and humid climate, showing tolerance to cold and moisture. It can be cultivated by the sea and grow well in fertile sandy loam that provides good drainage.

Morphological characteristics

Dacrycarpus imbricatus is up to 30 meters tall and 2 meters in DBH, with erect trunk, taupe bark, stretching or drooping branches, and slender, dense branchlets that spread downward or upward. Its heteromorphic leaves are spirally arranged downward on a tree. The leaves on old branches and fruiting branches are imbricate in the shape of a scale or diamond, only 2-3 mm long. The apex curves upward and has acute long tips. Leaves on young plants, sprouting branches or terminal twigs appear with subulate strips that are soft and arranged in two rows. They are nearly flattened, 6-12 mm long and 1.2 mm broad. There are stomata lines on both sides of the leaves, slightly narrowing at the top, and the apex curves upward, with a slightly acute long tip. Male cones are spike-like, growing at the tip of branchlets, about 1 cm long. Terminal female cones are solitary or in couple where only one is fertile. The seeds are sessile, ovoid and glossy, about 5-6 mm in length. The aril becomes red when ripe and is attached to a fleshy seed receptacle. The flower season of the tree is in April and the seeds are ripe in October.