Latin name: Podocarpus macrophyllus
Family: Podocarpaceae (Podocarpus Family)
Medicinal use of Kusamaki:The stem bark is used in the treatment of worms (especially ringworm) and blood disorders. A decoction of the fruit is tonic for the heart, kidneys, lungs and stomach.
Description of the plant:
Habitat of the herb:Mountains, C. and S. Japan. Forests, open thickets and roadsides from near sea level to 1000 metres.
Edible parts of Kusamaki:Fruit - raw or cooked in pies, cakes etc. The fruit is 12 - 15mm long.
Other uses of the herb:Plants are used for hedging in N. America. The erect cultivar "Maki" is commonly used. The wood is used in making furniture, utensils, paper, and farm implements.
Propagation of Kusamaki:The seed can be sown at any time of the year in a sandy soil in a warm greenhouse, though it is probably best sown as soon as it is ripe. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe terminal shoots, 5 - 10cm long, July/August in a frame.
Cultivation of the herb:Mountains, C. and S. Japan. Forests, open thickets and roadsides from near sea level to 1000 metres.
Known hazards of Podocarpus macrophyllus:Superficially similar to Taxus species, but this plant is definitely not poisonous.
Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.