Podocarpus neriifolius aka Brown Pine

Podocarpus neriifolius is an evergreen tree in the podocarp family. Its common names include brown pine, thitmin, and wax dammar. Its range spans Nepal and India through Southeast Asia to New Guinea. It grows in warm, wet forests, from lowlands to mountains. Habitats include coastal woods, swamp forests, and sites with volcanic soil. It grows below the forest canopy or reaches its upper layer.

In gardens, it can reach about 82 feet (25 metres) tall and wide. Forest trees range from 16–98 feet (5–30 metres), with larger trees reaching 148 feet (45 metres). Its crown forms a dome above a straight, round trunk. Some trees have buttress roots at the base. The grey-brown bark has scales and cracks. The oval leaves narrow towards their tips. The tree keeps its leaves year-round and grows at a moderate rate.

Male and female cones grow on separate trees. Wind carries the pollen, and seed production needs both sexes. The orange-red fruit measures about 0.3–0.4 inches (8–10 millimetres) long. Sources report that people eat it raw. They list no known hazards, but give no detailed safety guidance. Seeds may take a year or more to sprout. Seeds that pass through an animal can sprout sooner. Cuttings from upright shoots retain a tree-like form. Those from side shoots can grow flat along the ground.

Grow this tree in full sun or bright shade. Young plants can cope with shade. It prefers moist, fertile soil that drains well. It accepts sand, loam, and clay, with slightly acid soil preferred. It also grows in neutral or very acid soil. Warm, humid conditions suit it best, though its climate can include a dry season. PFAF lists USDA zones 9–12 and describes it as frost tender.

Gardeners grow it as a specimen tree or large screen. It tolerates pruning and also suits hedges, topiary, and large planters. Its wood serves for furniture, boats, musical instruments, and general carpentry. The timber resists termites and other insects, but lasts poorly outdoors. Traditional medicine uses the leaves for joint pain and infested sores. These reports do not establish that such treatments work. The supplied sources name no specific garden pests or diseases. Useful Tropical Plants reports a global Least Concern assessment from 2010. Some parts of its range have still seen declines.