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Uses

Edible uses

Notes

We have no details for this species but it is in a genus where many of the members have edible seed and fruit[K]. The fruit is up to 3cm long[1]. 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].

Fruit

Material uses

Very tolerant of pruning, this plant makes a very good hedge in shady positions[1].
There are no material uses listed for Cephalotaxus oliveri.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

There are no medicinal uses listed for Cephalotaxus oliveri.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Hedge

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[2], 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[1]. 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[3][1]. Difficult[2].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Cephalotaxus oliveri. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a moist well-drained sandy soil but succeeds in most soils though it dislikes dry gravelly or chalky soils[3][1]. Prefers a position in semi-shade but tolerates full shade[4][5] and it also succeeds but does not usually thrive in full sun[1]. It grows very well in the mild wet coastal region of W. Scotland where it succeeds even in full sun[1]. Requires a humid sheltered site[1], strongly disliking very exposed positions[3].

This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[1]. 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].

Plants are dioecious, but female plants sometimes produce fruits and infertile seeds in the absence of any male plants[4]. 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[5]. Male cones are produced in the axils of the previous year's leaves, whilst female cones are borne at the base of branchlets[1].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Cephalotaxus oliveri. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Cephalotaxus oliveri.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Cephalotaxus oliveri
Genus
Cephalotaxus
Family
Cephalotaxaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
8
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
permanent shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    Herbaceous or Woody
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    Mature Size
    3 x meters
    Fertility
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? 1.001.011.021.031.041.051.061.071.081.091.101.111.12 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press ISBN 0942375009 (1987-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.2 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.1 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.1 Rushforth. K. Conifers. Christopher Helm ISBN 0-7470-2801-X (1987-00-00)
    6. ? [Flora of China] (1994-00-00)