Yunnan Nutmeg Yew (Torreya yunnanensis)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −12.2 °C
Cultivation
Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, tolerating some lime. A vulnerable species in the wild, where it is at risk of becoming extinct. This species is not hardy in all parts of Britain, but trees can be grown outdoors in the milder parts of the country. The seed takes two summers to mature. There is some confusion over the correct name of this species, with some authorities seeing it as no more than a sub-species of T. fargesii. Plants are dioecious, but sometimes monoecious with dioecious branches. Male and female plants must usually be grown if seed is required.
Propagation
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. Layering.
Edible uses
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.
Material uses
An oil is extracted from the seed. The high quality timber is used in constructing houses, bridges, and furniture, and for making implements and utensils.
Habitat
Coniferous and mixed forests in warm temperate zones, locally a common forest tree, at levations of 1500 - 3400 metres in NW Yunnan.
Native range
E. Asia - China in Yunnan province.