Cephalotaxus wilsoniana

Physical Characteristics

Cephalotaxus wilsoniana is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in) 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) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Taiwan

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit[81]. Fairly large, about 30mm x 15mm[200]. We have no more details, though this plant is closely related to C. harringtonia, the fruit of which is edible raw if fully ripe[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]. It is quite likely that the seed of this species is also edible. More research is required[K].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known