There appear to be no published images depicting this species. Representative herbarium specimens are listed by de Laubenfels (2015), some of which have likely been scanned by the holding herbaria.
There appear to be no published images depicting this species. Representative herbarium specimens are listed by de Laubenfels (2015), some of which have likely been scanned by the holding herbaria.
Podocarpus hookeri
Type: India, Sikkim, below Kursiong, J.D. Hooker fil. & T. Thomson s.n. (holo K, iso E, L, BM, GH, P). Syn. Podocarpus neriifolius D.Don var. linearis Wasscher 1941; Podocarpus neriifolius D.Don var. staintonii Silba 2000 (de Laubenfels 2015).
See Podocarpus neriifolius for taxonomic notes on the 17 species in the P. neriifolius complex. De Laubenfels (2015) asserts "Podocarpus hookeri is generally a similar tree to P. neriifolius... The new species differs in the linear and broader leaves, 12-15 mm versus 10-12 mm, and tapering with acuminate or broadly acute apices versus narrowly acute in P. neriifolius." The taxonomic importance of the named characters is debatable, and there is no evidence that de Laubenfels even considered numerous other characters of known taxonomic significance in Podocarpus, including details of leaf anatomy, pollen cone microstructure, and seed cone fine structure. Indeed his description is exceedingly vague for having been published in the 21st century; such a brief and superficial account is more typical for a 19th century description. These points cast doubt on the validity of this taxon as distinct from P. neriifolius, with which its distribution largely coincides.
Trees to 45 m tall. Diameter, branching, crown, bark not stated. Foliage buds 4 mm diameter with erect, triangular scales 5 mm long. Leaves dimorphic; juvenile leaves 180 × 24 mm, acuminate. Adult leaves linear, 3 mm petioles, 100-120 × 13-16 mm, upper midrib raised, blunt, 0.7 mm wide; acuminate to broad-acute. Pollen cones sessile, in groups of 1-3, 24-42 × 3.5-4 mm. Seed cones on peduncles 8 mm long with 8-12 mm receptacles, fleshy and red or orange when ripe; seed within epimatium globular, 7-8 mm diameter (de Laubenfels 2015).
Bangladesh; China: Yunnan; India: Assam, Sikkim; Indonesia: Atjeh, Bali, Borneo, Java Barat, Kalimantan Timur, Sarawak, Sumatra Barat, Sumatra Selantan, Sumatra, Sumatra Utara; Malaysia: Johore, Panang, Selangor; Thailand: Nakhon Nayok, Northwestern, Narathiwat; Vietnam: Cao Bang, Kon Tum. Occurs at elevations from 0-1500 m. Habitat not stated (de Laubenfels 2015).
De Laubenfels (2015) also states that it occurs in the Philippines, but Salvaña et al. (2018) examined the specimens he attributed to P. hookeri and instead attributed them to P. neriifolius "due to linear and broader, leaves, and acuminate to broad apices. These features are among the variations that exist within the species due to difference in location and life stages."
The IUCN has not yet assessed this species, but de Laubenfels (2015) stated that it would qualify as "Least Concern" according to 2001 IUCN criteria due to its abundance within a very extensive geographic range. That assessment likely remains accurate for current criteria.
No data as of 2023.01.19.
There have been no recorded uses as of 2023.01.19, but see remarks for Podocarpus neriifolius.
I have seen no specific references, but de Laubenfels (2015) provides a list of specimens examined, some listed in sufficient detail to allow visiting the collection site.
The epithet honors Joseph Dalton Hooker (1817-1911), one of the most eminent of all British botanists. He was also the collector of the type specimen.
Laubenfels, David J. de. 2015. New sections and species of Podocarpus based on the taxonomic status of P. neriifolius (Podocarpaceae) in tropical Asia. Novon 24(2):133-152. https://doi.org/10.3417/2012091.
Salvaña, Florence Roy P., Willian Sm Gruezo, and Annalee S. Hadsall. 2018. Recent taxonomic notes and new distribution localities of Podocarpus Pers. species in the Philippines. Sibbaldia: The International Journal of Botanic Garden Horticulture 16:99-120.
Last Modified 2023-02-26
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