Herb: Yunnan Plum Yew


Latin name: Cephalotaxus lanceolata


Synonyms: Cephalotaxus fortunei lanceolata


Family: Cephalotaxaceae (Plum Yew Family)



Edible parts of Yunnan Plum Yew:

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. The fruit is up to 4.5cm long and 2cm wide. It is certainly worthy of more research. 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.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Height:
8 m
(26 feet)

Flowering:
April
to May

Habitat of the herb:

An understorey shrub in woodlands. Scattered in broad-leaved forests at elevations around 1900 metres.

Other uses of Yunnan Plum Yew:

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

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, it should then germinate in the following spring. A hard seedcoat can delay germination, especially in if the seed is not sown as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed should be cold-stratified and sown in a cold frame in the spring. 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. Difficult.

Cultivation of Yunnan Plum Yew:

An understorey shrub in woodlands. Scattered in broad-leaved forests at elevations around 1900 metres.

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Cephalotaxus lanceolata:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.