Yunnan Plum Yew

Cephalotaxus lanceolata

Physical Characteristics

Cephalotaxus lanceolata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 8 m (26ft 3in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. 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.

Distribution

E. Asia - China - N.W. Yunnan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seed Edible Uses: We have no details for this species but it is closely related to C. fortunei and so it is quite likely to have edible seed and fruit[K]. The fruit is up to 4.5cm long and 2cm wide[200]. It is certainly worthy of more research[K]. The fruit does not always ripen in Britain, before full ripeness it has a disgusting resinous flavour that coats the mouth and refuses to go away for hours[K].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known