Podocarpus novoguineensis

de Laub. (2015)

Common names

Bakako [Anona], stated on the herbarium sheet label for the holotype.

Taxonomic notes

Type: Papua New Guinea, Eastern Highlands, Aiyura, 1944, L. S. Smith NGF1102 (holotype L, isotypes BRI, LAE). No synonyms, but each of the specimens cited by de Laubenfels (2015) had previously been attributed to some other species in the Podocarpus neriifolius complex. This species has not been evaluated using molecular methods. See P. neriifolius for taxonomic notes on the 17 species in the P. neriifolius complex.

Description

Trees to 25 m tall and 40 cm dbh. Bark 3-5 mm thick, brown, tending to form thin small flakes; inner bark pink, wood pale brown. Foliage buds 5 × 3 mm, with erect lanceolate scales and longer spreading scales to 10 mm long. Leaves on 6 mm petioles, linear, tapering gradually on both ends, 130-160 × 14-18 mm (juvenile and shade foliage to 200 × 24 mm), dark green above, pale green below. Upper (adaxial) midribs slightly raised, 1 mm wide; lower midribs not described. Pollen cones unknown. Seed cones on 8-15 mm peduncles, receptacles 10-12 mm long; seed within epimatium 8-11 × 6-8 mm (de Laubenfels 2015 and herbarium sheet label for the holotype).

De Laubenfels (2015) states the species is distinct from other Podocarpus in the region due to its very long leaves.

Distribution and Ecology

Indonesia: Papua Barat; Papua New Guinea: Central Papua, Eastern Highlands, Morobe; widely distributed in remote forested mountain areas at elevations of 510-1800 m (de Laubenfels 2015).

The IUCN has not evaluated this species with regard to conservation status.

Remarkable Specimens

No data as of 2026-01-23.

Ethnobotany

No data as of 2026-01-23.

Observations

See the collection locales referred to by de Laubenfels (2015).

Remarks

The epithet novoguineensis is the Latinized form of "New Guinea", where this is but one of several Podocarpus species.

Citations

de Laubenfels, David J. 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.

See also

Plants of the World online.