Yunnan Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus lanceolata)

Uses

We have no details for this species but it is closely related to C. fortunei and so it is quite likely to have edible seed and fruit[K]. The fruit is up to 4.5cm long and 2cm wide^[4]. It is certainly worthy of more research[K]. The fruit does not always ripen in Britain, before full ripeness it has a disgusting resinous flavour that coats the mouth and refuses to go away for hours[K].

Plant part: Fruit

Plant part: Seed

Very tolerant of pruning, this plant makes a very good hedge in shady positions^[4].

Environment

Range

E. Asia - China - N.W. Yunnan.

Habitat

An understorey shrub in woodlands^[4]. Scattered in broad-leaved forests at elevations around 1900 metres^[5].

Light

full sun

Shade tolerance

permanent shade

Water

moderate

Hardiness

Zone 8+

Soil textures

sandy, loamy, clay

Soil pH

acid, neutral, alkaline

Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil

Drought

intolerant

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame^[3], it should then germinate in the following spring[K]. A hard seedcoat can delay germination, especially in if the seed is not sown as soon as it is ripe[81, K]. Stored seed should be cold-stratified and sown in a cold frame in the spring^[4]. Germination can take 18 months or more. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on for at least their first winter under cover. Plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Greenwood cuttings of terminal shoots, August/September in a humid cold frame^[1]^[4]. Difficult^[3].

Cultivation

Prefers a moist well-drained sandy soil but succeeds in most soils though it dislikes dry gravelly or chalky soils^[1]^[4]. Prefers a position in semi-shade but tolerates full shade^[2]^[6] and it also succeeds but does not usually thrive in full sun^[4]. It grows very well in the mild wet coastal region of W. Scotland where it succeeds even in full sun^[4]. Requires a humid sheltered site^[4], strongly disliking very exposed positions^[1]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c^[4]. 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[K]. This plant has become very rare in its native range and is designated an endangered species^[5]. Plants are dioecious, but female plants sometimes produce fruits and infertile seeds in the absence of any male plants^[2]. 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^[6]. Male cones are produced in the axils of the previous year's leaves, whilst female cones are borne at the base of branchlets^[4].

References