Real Yellowwood

Real yellowwood is a slow-growing evergreen conifer native to South African forests and mountain regions and is South Africa’s national tree. SANBI describes mature trees commonly reaching 20–30 metres, with larger forest specimens; allow generous space and check local climate and nursery provenance before planting. In gardens it may remain smaller and can be trained, but mature tree growth and maintenance must be planned. Obtain nursery-propagated plants and check local protection and permit requirements before disturbing wild trees. The City of Cape Town veldfire guide lists Podocarpus spp. as yellowwood in separate tree- and hedge-barrier tables. This plant is one local genus representative; the guide does not name this species or individually assess every selection. Hedge barriers require careful maintenance because dry woody interiors can accumulate fuel. Space tree canopies, remove dead branches and ground litter, and follow local defensible-space guidance. No plant is fireproof. Sources: https://pza.sanbi.org/podocarpus-latifolius ; https://www.gov.za/about-sa/national-tree ; https://www.capetown.gov.za/explore-and-enjoy/nature-and-outdoors/mountains-and-hiking/cape-towns-forests-and-plantations/ ; https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2C%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Ukuvuka%20Veldfire%20Related%20Planning%20Guidelines%202004-04-29.pdf ## Cape Town — 2004 barrier table scope and maintenance The [Cape Town veldfire planning guidelines](https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2C%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Ukuvuka%20Veldfire%20Related%20Planning%20Guidelines%202004-04-29.pdf), Annexure 1, section 3.3, include the following source entry or entries: Table 2 (Trees): “Podocarpus spp” / Yellowood. A species or named hybrid is a qualified representative of the printed genus group, not an individual assessment or a designation of every member. Table 3 (Hedges): “Podocarpus spp” / Yellowood. A species or named hybrid is a qualified representative of the printed genus group, not an individual assessment or a designation of every member. The city's PDF timed out during this audit; these table cells and adjacent conditions were checked in the [indexed copy of the same April 2004 document](https://www.scribd.com/document/790764685/Ukuvuka-Veldfire-Related-Planning-Guidelines-2004-04-29). This records that historical source's guidance; check current local requirements and suitability before use. General source conditions: use broad-leaved, moisture-rich plants as potential screens at the fireward property edge; maintain an easy-to-walk-through garden and leaf litter no more than 15 mm deep. Avoid flammable plants under decks, against walls/wooden pillars or in hanging baskets. Remove accumulated garden refuse and dead material. No source listing guarantees survival or prevents all burning. Tree barriers screen radiant heat and wind-borne embers at the critical time, but all trees can scorch under severe conditions. Space crowns so they do not touch or form a continuous canopy, maintain at least a 2 m gap from the ground to lower limbs, remove undergrowth below and thin dead branches regularly. The source places Podocarpus spp in its tree table; verify the actual mature form and space before planting. Hedge barriers need greater caution than tree barriers. Avoid hedges with old dry brittle cores or dense fine woody interiors concealed by green outer leaves; training and repeated inspection/removal of dry material are essential. The source specifically rejects cypress hedges as barriers or near buildings. A dense green outer appearance alone is insufficient.