What is Podocarpaceae?
Q: What is Podocarpaceae?
A: Podocarpaceae is a large family of mainly Southern Hemisphere conifers, with about 156 species of evergreen trees and shrubs. It has up to 19 genera.
Q: Where did the early evolution of this family take place?
A: The distribution of this family suggests its early evolution took place in the ancient southern continent of Gondwana.
Q: What are the main centres of diversity for this family?
A: The main centres of diversity are in Australasia, particularly New Caledonia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. They are also in Malesia and South America (mainly in the Andes mountains).
Q: How far north does Podocarpus extend?
A: Podocarpus extends as far north as southern Japan and southern China in Asia, and Mexico in the Americas.
Q: How far north does Nageia extend?
A: Nageia extends as far north as southern China and southern India.
Q: Are there any genera that occur in sub-Saharan Africa?
A: Yes, two genera occur in sub-Saharan Africa - the widespread Podocarpus and the endemic Afrocarpus.
Q: Is Parasitaxus usta unique among members of this family?
A:Yes, Parasitaxus usta is unique as it is the only known parasitic gymnosperm within this family. It occurs on New Caledonia where it is parasitic on another member of the Podocarpaceae, Falcatifolium taxoides.
