herbalfieldschool Health-promoting plants

Podocarpus elatus – Information Sheet

P. elatus is a tall conifer that inhabits pockets of dry rainforest between the Illawarra region of the NSW coast and North Queensland. Fruiting cones on female trees produce fleshy scales or pseudo fruit, being somewhat plum-like and quite edible. Sometimes referred to as Illawarra plums, they are very popular for making jams and preserves and have high antioxidant value. The antioxidant effects are due to the presence of anthocyanidins, chemicals responsible for the purple colour. and other polyphenols. The species is currently being evaluated as having a role in cancer treatment. P. elatus is also useful as a timber tree, and for selective planting in urban environments.