Japanese Torreya, Japanese nutmeg
Torreya nucifera

Family: Taxaceae

What it is like

A shrub or tree. It can grow 25 m tall. The branches are spreading. The small branches are reddish-brown. The leaves are dark and glossy green above and with blue white bands underneath. The leaves have a scent when crushed. The female cones are olive green. The kernel is edible.

Also put in the family Cephalotaxaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 7-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Britain, China, Europe, Japan (country/location of origin), Korea, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The kernels of the nuts are eaten. They are eaten raw or roasted and used in confectionery. An oil can be extracted from the kernels and eaten in cooking.

It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Seeds, nuts, kernels, nuts - oil

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Binjanamu, Kaya

Synonyms

Taxus nucifera L.; Tumion nuciferum (L.) Greene;