Fauna
Plant

Madagascar Yellowwood

Podocarpus madagascariensis

Also known as Madagascar Podocarp, Malagasy Yellowwood

Madagascar yellowwoods grow as elegant evergreen conifers throughout the humid mountain forests and coastal woodlands of Madagascar. Their broad, glossy needle-like leaves form dense canopies that shelter diverse endemic canopy wildlife. Mature trees produce fleshy, reddish seed receptacles that rely on birds and arboreal mammals for dispersal across fragmented forest corridors.

EndemicEvergreenConifer
Madagascar Yellowwood reference1 / 5
(c) Stuart Cable, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Seed-eating birds
  • Lemurs
  • Wood-boring beetles
ThreatsDeforestation, slash-and-burn agriculture, timber harvesting
HabitatsHumid montane forests, subtropical evergreen woodlands, rocky slopes
Life span100–300+ years
Classification
  1. FamilyPodocarpaceae
  2. SpeciesPodocarpus madagascariensis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Fleshy seed cones have toxic look-alikes; never consume wild plant parts.
What to notice
Recognized by its tall straight trunk, reddish-brown bark, and distinct linear evergreen leaves in Malagasy rainforests.
Support conservation
Observe trees without disturbing surrounding undergrowth or damaging seedlings around the base.
Responsible observation
  • Identification: Look for long, narrow leather-like leaves arranged spirally along slender twigs.
  • Fruiting Season: Inspect lower branches for swollen, colorful fleshy receptacles supporting single seeds.
  • Trail Etiquette: Stick to marked trails in protected Malagasy reserves to avoid disturbing soil and saplings.
Related species
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