Chinese Nutmeg Tree

Torreya grandis

Physical Characteristics

Torreya grandis is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft 0in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower in April, 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 - C. and E. China.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil Seed - roasted[46, 61, 63, 105, 183, 266]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[266].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antitussive Carminative Laxative The flowers are anthelmintic and carminative[218]. The seed is anthelmintic, antitussive, laxative and peptic[218].

Known Hazards

None known