Plant · GBIF taxon 5286088
Ceylon Kauri
Podocarpus neriifoliusAlso known as Jati Brown Pine, Brown Pine, Nerium-Leaved Podocarp, Thitmin
Ceylon Kauri is a striking tropical conifer featuring unusually broad, lance-shaped leaves that resemble those of an oleander rather than typical pine needles. Mature trees produce fleshy, bright red to purple seed receptacles that attract birds and small arboreal mammals for seed dispersal. Thriving in the understory and canopy of Asian moist forests, this species plays a vital role in providing canopy shelter and timber within tropical ecosystems.
TreeEvergreenConifer
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- Birds
- Fruit Bats
- Browsing Insects
ThreatsDeforestation and localized over-logging for high-value timber
HabitatsTropical rainforests, submontane to montane ridge forests
Life span100–300 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPodocarpaceae
- SpeciesPodocarpus neriifolius
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Wild fruits and seed cones have toxic look-alikes; never consume plant parts found in the wild.
Responsible observation
- Leaf Identification: Look for long, leathery lance-shaped leaves with a prominent central midrib.
- Cone Spotting: Check branches in autumn for fleshy red to purple seed receptacles.
- Habitat Context: Search in well-drained ridge soils within moist tropical and subtropical mountain forests.
Co-occurring Conifer (c) Raffi Kojian, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative 
Close Relative (c) Jon Sullivan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jon Sullivan · cc-by
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