California Nutmeg Tree
Torreya californica

Family: Taxaceae

What it is like

A pointed cone shaped tree. It grows up to 20-30 m high. The bark is grey-brown with vertical ridges. The leaves are long and narrow. They are 6 cm long. They are flattened and have long sharp points. They are shiny green on top. The flowers are of one sex. The female flowers form a single ovule with a scaly base. The kernel is contained in a fleshy purple fruit. The fruit is green at first but turns purple later. The fruit is about 4 cm long.

There are 7 Torreya species. Also put in the family Cephalotaxaceae.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows naturally in California in the United States. It grows in valley bottoms at 900-2,000 m altitude. It can grow in on chalky soils. It likes plenty of moisture. It can grow in shade. Young plants cannot stand frost. Mature plants can only tolerate slight frost. It suits hardiness zones 7-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Britain, Europe, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The kernel of the nut is eaten roasted. The nut also yields an edible oil.

Edible parts

Seeds, kernel, nuts, nuts - oil

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. They can be grown from soft wood cuttings but these are slow to strike. Plants can also be grafted.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Torreya myristica Hook.; Tumion californicum (Torr.) Green; and others