Podocarpus latifolius ( Broad-leaved Yellowwood or Real Yellowwood ) is a large evergreen tree up to 35 m high and 3 m trunk diameter Belongs in the conifer family Podocarpaceae ; genus Podocarpus .

Native to the moister southern and eastern areas of South Africa. Also coastal areas of the Western Cape east to KwaZulu-Natal and north to eastern Limpopo. National tree of South Africa.

Leaves are strap-shaped, 25–40 mm long on mature trees, larger, to 100 mm long, on vigorous young trees, and 6–12 mm broad, with a bluntly pointed tip. Cones are berry-like, with a single (rarely two) 7–11 mm seed apical on an 8–14 mm pink-purple aril ; aril is edible and sweet. The male ( pollen ) cones are 10–30 mm long.

Slow-growing tree with hard wood similar to yew wood, used for furniture, panelling, etc.Has been over-exploitated in South Africa. Little is now cut.

The Yellowwood family is primeval and can be traced back more than 100 million years. 

In forests they can grow up to 40 meters in height with the base of the trunk sometimes up to 3 meters in diameter. In contrast, trees that grow in unsheltered places like mountain-slopes, are often short, bushy and gnarled. The bark of the Real Yellowwood is khaki-colored to gray when it is old, deeply split and peels off in strips. The crown is relatively small in relation to its height and is often covered with gray lichen. Male and female cones resemble pine cones and are white, light green or pink. The female cone has a fleshy podocarpium on which the seed, which takes on the shape and color of a cherry, develops.

Uses and cultural aspects
The real yellowwood has apparently been used more than any other South African timber. Floors in the old Cape homesteads were made of this wood. The soft yellow colour of the wood contrasts beautifully with the dark-coloured stinkwood ( Ocotea bullata ) and these two timbers were often used together to make furniture. The real yellowwood was used a lot for tables and cupboards, as it polishes up very well. The South African Railways used to use the timber to make railway sleepers. In the old days it was used to make wagon boxes. Coffins were often made of it too. An unusual use was that of a butcher's block because the wood is hard and did not chip easily. It also has no scent, so it did not taint the meat.

Slow-growing, but very long-lived and it is able to withstand some frost. The unusual textural appearance of the leaves makes it a good contrast or background for other trees. The colourful receptacles of the female tree are most attractive. This tree would make an interesting container plant and can withstand short periods indoors. The leaf size and interesting bark are good characteristics for bonsai.

Growing Podocarpus latifolius
Seed should be cleaned and sown fresh in a mix of sand and compost. Do not allow it to dry out or germination will be poor. The seed may be parasitized if collected from the ground below the tree. Transplant with care and avoid damaging the taproot. The expected growth rate in cultivation is quite slow, but this depends on conditions. It will grow better with good soil, water and shelter from strong winds. It does not usually grow as tall in cultivation as it would in its forest habitat, especially if not given a good water supply.

There are three other yellowood species in South Africa, all of which may be grown in the garden