Podocarp Forests

Podocarp forests are large, evergreen forests that are dominated by tall trees from a group of coniferous plants in the genus Podocarpus. These forests occur in southern Africa, Australia, Central America and New Zealand, and are among the oldest and most diverse vegetation types. They are home to many species of threatened plants and animals, and serve multiple important ecological functions. Podocarp forests are important for their ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their wood, helping to reduce global warming. They also help protect watersheds by trapping water and sediment, preventing soil erosion and downstream flooding. Podocarp forests are also important for human use, providing timber, fuel, medicinal plants and beauty, as well as cultural and spiritual values.