Cephalotaxus wilsoniana

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cephalotaxus wilsoniana
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Gymnospermae
Division: Pinophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Cupressales
Family: Taxaceae
Genus: Cephalotaxus
Species:
C. wilsoniana
Binomial name
Cephalotaxus wilsoniana

Cephalotaxus wilsoniana is a species of coniferous tree in the yew family, Taxaceae. Its common names include Taiwan plum yew, Taiwan cow's-tail pine,[2] and Wilson plum yew. It is endemic to Taiwan,[1] scattered in montane forests at altitudes of 1400-2700 meters.[3] Cephalotaxus wilsoniana is mostly dioecious, because it's scattered with broad-leaved trees, the fecundity is not strong. In addition, the seed maturity period is very long. Germination and growth are also slow. Therefore, Cephalotaxus wilsoniana is not a common tree species in Taiwan.

This taxon is sometimes considered to be a variety of Cephalotaxus harringtonii.[1]

This conifer grows up to 9 meters tall with drooping branches and reddish brown flaky bark. It grows in scattered populations in the woodlands of Taiwan. It is sometimes cultivated in local gardens.[2]

The wood of Cephalotaxus wilsoniana is light yellowish brown with dense structure and excellent quality, which can be used for construction, furniture, agricultural appliances. A variety of plant alkaloids can be extracted from leaves, branches, roots and seeds.[3]


References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Yang, Y. & Luscombe, D 2013. Cephalotaxus harringtonii var. wilsoniana. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2015.2. Downloaded on 01 September 2015.
  2. ^ a b Cephalotaxus wilsoniana. The Gymnosperm Database.
  3. ^ a b "Cephalotaxus wilsoniana Hayata" (in Chinese). Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae.