Torreya jackii
Family: Cephalotaxaceae
What it is like
Torreya jackii is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 10
Where it is found
Woods at elevations of 400 - 1000 metres in N Fujian, NE Jiangxi S Zhejiang provinces.
E. Asia - E. China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Seed. No more details are given but it is likely that the seed can be eaten raw or cooked and is rich in oil. An edible oil is obtained from the seed.
Oil: Oil
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The leaves are very aromatic when bruised or burned, giving off a fragrance like sandalwood oil. The wood is very fragrant, and is used to make agricultural implements, utensils, and handicrafts.
Incense: Aromatic plants that can be burnt to impart a pleasant smell, repel insects and disinfect closed areas.
Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, tolerating some lime. Requires a sheltered position and either high humidity or a moist riverside soil. Dislikes wind exposure. Tolerates woodland shade very well. Requires hot, very humid summers for best growth. Quite rare in the wild, this is a vulnerable species at risk of becoming extinct in the wild. Torreya jackii is unlike the other Chinese members of the genus and is remarkably similar to Cephalotaxus fortunei, from which it can be distinguished by its sessile seed-bearing structures and by the peculiar, strongly twisted leaf arrangement. The seed takes two summers to mature. This species is not very hardy in Britain, though trees can be grown outdoors in the milder parts of the country. Plants are dioecious, but sometimes monoecious with dioecious branches. Male and female plants must usually be grown if seed is required.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Some of the seed should germinate in the following spring though much of it might take another 12 months. Stored seed requires a period of cold stratification and can take 18 months or more to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as growth is observed and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least the next couple of winters, making sure to pot them on into larger pots as and when required. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer when the plants are at least 20cm tall. Cuttings of half-ripe shoots in late summer. Cuttings do not grow well. Layering.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist