Common Name: negeia
Type: Broadleaf evergreen
Family: Podocarpaceae
Native Range: Southern China, Taiwan, Southern Japan
Zone: 9 to 11
Height: 30.00 to 50.00 feet
Spread: 15.00 to 25.00 feet
Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
Bloom Description: Yellow
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flower: Insignificant
Leaf: Evergreen
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerate: Drought
Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 8b-10 where it is easily grown in medium moisture, well-drained loams in full sun to part shade. Tolerates drought. Tolerates poor soils. May be propagated from seeds or cuttings. In the St. Louis area, it may not be grown in the ground, but can be grown as a houseplant or in containers that are kept outside during the frost-free growing season, but brought indoors in fall for overwintering. Container plants generally require more consistent watering. Container plants should be protected from full sun when taken outdoors.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Nageia nagi, sometimes commonly called nagi or Asian barberry, is a loose pyramidal tree to 30-40' (infrequently to 80') tall with a strong central leader and symmetrical branching. It sometimes grows as a large shrub. It is native to mountainous areas of China, Japan and Viet Nam. It features leathery, elliptic to ovate, glossy, dark green leaves (to 3" long and 1 1/2" wide) that are evergreen. Each leaf lacks a mid-rib but has numerous veins extending the length of the leaf. Exfoliating bark. Plants are dioecious (separate male and female trees). Globose "fruits" (each to 1/2" diameter) on female plants are covered with a plum-like bloom. Synonymous with and formerly known as Podocarpus nagi with common name of broadleaf podocarpus.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Root rot may occur if soils are poorly-drained. Watch for sooty mold.
Uses
Tree or large shrub. Accent/specimen. Screen. Hedge. Foundations. Cut foliage is attractive in flower arrangements.