Phyllocladus

Phyllocladus is a small genus of evergreen conifers in the family Podocarpaceae. It includes a few species native to New Zealand and southeastern Australia and is commonly known as celery pine.

The most distinctive feature is the phylloclade—a flattened, leaf-like stem that carries out photosynthesis. True leaves are reduced to minute scales or absent, giving the plant a largely leafless appearance despite its evergreen habit.

Plants are typically shrubs or small trees with an upright to spreading habit. The genus is usually dioecious, with separate male and female individuals; cones are small and inconspicuous, borne on the plant. Seeds are often dispersed by birds.

Phyllocladus species inhabit cool temperate forests and damp sites, often on well-drained soils. They are adapted to shade and can form understory trees in their native ranges.

In cultivation, Phyllocladus is valued for its architectural foliage and unusual form. It prefers cool, moist, well-drained soil and protection from strong winds; it can be grown as a specimen plant or in mixed landscapes where its phylloclades provide year-round interest.

The genus name derives from Greek phyllo ('leaf') and klados ('branch'), referring to the leaf-like phylloclades. The number of species is small and varies with taxonomic treatment.