Cephalotaxus oliveri

Mast.

Taxaceae Edible: Fruit, Seeds 10 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Cephalotaxus oliveri, the Oliver's plum yew, is a coniferous shrub or small tree in the family Taxaceae. It is native to China and possibly to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and eastern India.

Description

A shrub or small tree. It grows 4-10 m tall. The trunk can be 20 cm across. The branches are opposite or in rings. The leaves are in 2 rows. They are narrow and hard and 2-4 cm long by 3-4 mm wide. The male cones are in groups of 5-7 clustered in a head 6-7 mm across. The fruit is oval and occurs singly. They are 3-4 cm long and 1-1.5 cm wide.

Edible Uses

No detailed information is available for this species, but it belongs to a genus in which many members have edible fruit and seed. The fruit is up to 3cm long and is considered worthy of further research. As with related species, the fruit does not always ripen in Britain; before full ripeness it has a strongly unpleasant resinous flavour that coats the mouth and can persist for hours.

Medicinal Uses

No medicinal uses are known for this plant.

Distribution

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in conifer forests and broad-leaved forests between 300-1,800 m.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Indochina, Laos, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam,

Cultivation

Prefers a moist well-drained sandy soil but succeeds in most soils though it dislikes dry gravelly or chalky soils. Prefers a position in semi-shade but tolerates full shade and it also succeeds but does not usually thrive in full sun. It grows very well in the mild wet coastal region of W. Scotland where it succeeds even in full sun. Requires a humid sheltered site, strongly disliking very exposed positions. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun. Plants are dioecious, but female plants sometimes produce fruits and infertile seeds in the absence of any male plants. However, at least one male plant for every five females should be grown if you are growing the plants for fruit and seed. Plants have also been known to change sex. Male cones are produced in the axils of the previous year's leaves, whilst female cones are borne at the base of branchlets.

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, where it should germinate the following spring. A hard seedcoat can delay germination, particularly if seed is not sown fresh. Stored seed should be cold-stratified before sowing in a cold frame in spring; germination can take 18 months or more. Prick out seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow on under cover for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Greenwood cuttings of terminal shoots can be taken in August or September in a humid cold frame, though this method is difficult.

Other Uses

Very tolerant of pruning, this plant makes an excellent hedge in shady positions.

Notes

There are about 10 Cephalotaxus species. Also put in the family Cephalotaxaceae.

Also Known As

Phi luoc bi

References (3)

Chinh, N. N., et al, 1996, Vietnam Forest Trees. Agricultural Publishing House. Hanoi. p 1
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
www.eFloras.org Flora of China