Podo
East African Yellow-wood
Afrocarpus (Podocarpus) falcatus
This plant was found growing on the rim of the Elgeyo Escarpment, near Iten, Kenya. Elevation October 2010.
True pine trees do not occur in the
southern hemispere naturally, but have been planted extensively. The podocarps
are the Southern Hemispere's indigenous conifers. The female cones have just
one seed enclosed in a fleshy aril. The male cones are more typical-looking but
are small and fall from the tree soon after releasing their pollen. Podo, of
East African Yellow-wood, is a large tree of moist highlands and has been
harvested extensively for timber.
Podocarpaceae -- Podocarp Family
More Information:
This large cocoon was found in Nairobi on a branch of Podocarpus; its maker could be a moth in the Saturniidae. Many moth larvae have stinging or irritating hairs; it appears that these hairs have been incorporated into the silk and will help protect the pupa inside. March 2013.