Nakai podocarp

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Nakai yellowwood
• Nakai podocarp

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Podocarpus macrophyllus var. nakaii

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Pinidae and order Pinales, it is a member of the family Podocarpaceae. Finally, it is specifically identified under the genus Podocarpus as the species Podocarpus nakaii.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is characterized by a very specific and restricted geographical range. Within the vast region of Eastern Asia, its presence is notably limited. Specifically, the distribution of Podocarpus nakaii is centered on the island of Taiwan. It does not appear to inhabit any other major landmasses or neighboring territories. Therefore, its natural occurrence is considered endemic to this particular subtropical location.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Podocarpus nakaii is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting traits consistent with both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte life forms. As a perennial woody species, it maintains its persistent buds well above the soil surface, allowing it to withstand seasonal environmental fluctuations. Its developmental strategy relies on a long-lived structural framework that supports continuous growth through various stages of its life cycle. By functioning as a phanerophyte, the plant invests significant energy into the development of woody stems and branches, ensuring that its reproductive and photosynthetic organs remain elevated, which is a critical survival mechanism within its specific ecological niche.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Podocarpus nakaii is characterized by its robust, woody structure, which allows it to maintain a stable physical presence within its habitat. As a terrestrial species, it grows directly in the soil rather than existing as an epiphyte or a parasite, functioning as an independent organism without reliance on a host for nutrients. Furthermore, it exhibits a self-supporting growth habit, meaning it does not require external structures like vines or climbers to maintain its upright posture.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Podocarpus nakaii has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Chalcone, Inumakilactone B, Megastigmane, Podolactone E, Steroids.

Chalcone

1. Journal of Asian natural products research

Inumakilactone B

1. Journal of Asian natural products research

Megastigmane

1. Journal of Asian natural products research

Podolactone E

1. Journal of Asian natural products research

Steroids

1. Journal of Asian natural products research

Activities

Podocarpus nakaii has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.

Cytotoxic

1. Journal of Asian natural products research