Podocarpus gracilior) is a species of coniferous tree in the family Podocarpaceae known as benet in Marakwet and East African yellowwood, African fern tree, or bastard yellowwood in English[1][2][3] It is native to eastern Africa, in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, in Afromontane habitats.

[1] Afrocarpus gracilior is a medium-sized tree, growing 20–40 m tall, rarely to 50 m, with a trunk diameter of 50–80 cm.

The leaves are spirally arranged, lanceolate, 2–6 cm long and 3–5 mm broad on mature trees, larger, to 10 cm (4 in) long and 6 mm broad on vigorous young trees.

The mature seed is purple, and is dispersed by birds and monkeys which eat the fleshy coating.

[5] Later DNA, biogeographical, morphological, and anatomical evidence suggested the following relationships between the species of Afrocarpus:[6] Nageia (outgroup) A. gracilior A. mannii A. falcatus A. dawei A. usambarensis It is an important timber tree in its native range, where it is harvested for local use and export.