Torreya nucifera

(L.) Siebold & Zucc.

Japanese Torreya, Japanese nutmeg

Taxaceae Edible: Seeds, Nuts, Kernels, Nuts - oil 318 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Torreya nucifera is a slow-growing, coniferous tree native to southern Japan and to South Korea's Jeju Island. It is also called kaya (榧) Japanese torreya or Japanese nutmeg-yew.

Description

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.

Edible Uses

Seeds can be eaten raw, cooked, or used in confectionery. They have an agreeable, sweet, slightly resinous and aromatic flavour and are much relished, though they are reported to be laxative if eaten in excess. An edible oil extracted from the seed is used in cooking.

Traditional Uses

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.

Medicinal Uses

The seeds are anthelmintic and are used in the treatment of several parasitic conditions including hookworm, tapeworms, pinworms, and roundworms. The plant is also anodyne, carminative, digestive, laxative, and pectoral.

Distribution

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

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, Britain, China, Europe, Japan*, Korea, North America, USA,

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Some seed should germinate the following spring, though much may take a further 12 months. Stored seed requires cold stratification and can take 18 months or more to germinate. Prick seedlings into individual pots as soon as growth appears and grow on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least the next two winters, potting on as needed. Plant out into permanent positions in early summer when plants are at least 20cm tall. Half-ripe shoot cuttings can be taken in late summer, though rooting success is poor. Layering is also an option.

Other Uses

None known.

Other Information

It is a cultivated food plant.

Notes

Also put in the family Cephalotaxaceae.

Nutrition

Part	Moisture	kJ	kcal	Protein	Vit A	Vit C	Iron	Zinc
Seeds dried	6.5	2433	582	11.1	—	—	3.6	—

Synonyms

Taxus nucifera L.Tumion nuciferum (L.) Greene

Also Known As

Binjanamu, Kaya

References (18)

Abh. Math.-Phys. Cl. Koenigl. Bayer. Akad. Wiss. 4(3):234; Fl. Japan Fam. Nat. 2:108. 1846
Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 988
Brickell, C. (Ed.), 1999, The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Convent Garden Books. p 1017
Chen, B. & Qiu, Z., Consumer's Attitudes towards Edible Wild Plants, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. p 26 www.hindawi.com/journals/ijfr/aip/872413.pdf
Ciesla, W.M., 1998, Non-wood forest products from conifers. Non-wood forest products 12, FAO, Rome, p 81

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Hu, Shiu-ying, 2005, Food Plants of China. The Chinese University Press. p 277
Lord, E.E., & Willis, J.H., 1999, Shrubs and Trees for Australian gardens. Lothian. p 90
Menninger, E.A., 1977, Edible Nuts of the World. Horticultural Books. Florida p 159
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