Podocarpus macrophyllus

Buddhist pine

Podocarpus macrophyllus, commonly known as the Buddhist Pine, is an evergreen conifer valued for its ornamental beauty and medicinal potential. Traditionally used in various cultures, it possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research explores its bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications, highlighting its significance in both landscaping and natural pharmacology.

  • Scientific name: Podocarpus macrophyllus
  • Family: Podocarpaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Pinidae, it is categorized under the order Pinales. Finally, it is classified under the family Podocarpaceae within the genus Podocarpus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Pinidae WCVP
Order Pinales WCVP
Family Podocarpaceae WCVP
Genus Podocarpus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Podocarpus macrophyllus, is widely recognized across various Chinese-speaking regions by its common names. In Simplified Chinese, it is known as 罗汉松 (zh-hans and zh-cn), as well as 罗汉松 in Singapore (zh-sg). In Traditional Chinese contexts, it is referred to as 羅漢松 (zh-hanth and zh-hk).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 罗汉松 Wikidata
zh-hant 羅漢松 Wikidata
zh-hk 羅漢松 Wikidata
zh-cn 罗汉松 Wikidata
zh-sg 罗汉松 Wikidata
zh-tw 大葉羅漢松 Wikidata
de Großblättrige Steineibe Wikidata
de-ch Grossblättrige Steineibe Wikidata
ja イヌマキ Wikidata
vi Thông La hán Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several key regions of Eastern and Southern Asia. In China, it can be found extensively throughout both the South-Central and Southeast territories. Its range extends into Eastern Asia, where it is native to the landscapes of Japan and Korea. Interestingly, its presence also stretches toward Northern Europe, specifically within Great Britain. This diverse geographical footprint highlights the plant's adaptability to different climates across the continent.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
China China South-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP
Eastern Asia Taiwan WCVP
Indo-China Myanmar WCVP
North-Central Pacific Hawaii WCVP
Southeastern U.S.A. Alabama WCVP
Southeastern U.S.A. Arkansas WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Podocarpus macrophyllus, is primarily characterized by its distinctive foliage, as the leaves are the most prominent part used in various botanical studies and traditional applications. These leaves are typically linear, leathery, and dark green, often arranged spirally along the branches to create a dense, evergreen appearance. In medicinal contexts, the chemical constituents found within the leaves are often the focus of research regarding their potential bioactive properties.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Podocarpus macrophyllus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoid.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoid 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Podocarpus macrophyllus has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cryptosporidiosis.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cryptosporidiosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆