Family: Podocarpaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Nageia nagi, commonly known as Asian bayberry, broadleaf podocarpus, or nagi, is an evergreen conifer native to southeastern China, Hainan, Taiwan, and parts of southern Japan. Unlike many conifers, it has broad, glossy, leathery leaves that give it a distinctive tropical appearance. This slow- to medium-growing tree can reach moderate heights and develops a dense, attractive canopy, making it popular as an ornamental specimen, shade tree, or hedge in warm climates. The species is also valued culturally in parts of Asia, where its durable wood has been used for construction, furniture, and traditional crafts. Its tolerance for pruning and neat form make it suitable for gardens, parks, and landscape plantings.

Risks & Threats
Although Nageia nagi is not widely associated with invasive behavior and is considered a low-risk species for Hawaii, it should still be planted thoughtfully and monitored in sensitive environments. The tree grows relatively slowly and does not appear to spread aggressively or form dense wild populations. However, as with many introduced ornamental plants, seeds may occasionally disperse into nearby habitats through birds or other wildlife. At present, there is little evidence that this species poses significant ecological threats in tropical island ecosystems, and it is generally regarded as a manageable landscape tree when properly maintained.

High Risk Traits:

• Able to grow in cooler, subtropical climates
  
• Naturalized within Japan, outside natural range
  
• Unpalatable to deer, and probably other browsing animals
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Seeds dispersed by gravity and intentionally by people

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of negative impacts where cultivated
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Ornamental value
  
• Dioecious
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Long time to reproductive maturity
  
• Seed dispersal concentrated around mother trees
  
• Despite drupe-like fruit, not reported to be dispersed by birds or other animals
  
• Not reported to resprout after damage to trunk