Cephalotaxus wilsoniana | |
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Conservation status
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Endangered (IUCN 3.1)[1] | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Gymnospermae |
Division: | Pinophyta |
Class: | Pinopsida |
Order: | Cupressales |
Family: | Taxaceae |
Genus: | Cephalotaxus |
Species: | C. wilsoniana
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Binomial name | |
Cephalotaxus wilsoniana Hayata
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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]