Fortune plum yew, Chinese plum yew
Cephalotaxus fortunei

Family: Taxaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 9 m high. The bark is red brown. It flakes off. The leaves are narrow and 10 cm long. They are 3 mm across. They are glossy and green with two white bands underneath. They are pointed. The male and female flowers are in clusters on separate plants. They are creamy yellow. The male flowers are in the axils of leaves while the female flowers are at the tips. The fruit is oval and fleshy. They are purple brown and 2.5 cm long. The fruit contain one seed.

There are about 6-10 Cephalotaxus species. It is used in medicine. Also put in the family Cephalotaxaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate and subtropical plant. It grows naturally in mountain forests. It needs well-drained soil. It grows well in an open sunny position. It is resistant to drought and frost. Hobart Botanical Gardens. It suits hardiness zones 7-10. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Britain, China (country/location of origin), Europe, Myanmar, SE Asia, Tasmania, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Taxus fortunei (Hook.) C. Lawson;