medicinal herbs
Chinese Nutmeg Tree
Torreya grandis

• Medicinal herbs
• Natural herbs
• Latin names
• Common names

Herb: Chinese Nutmeg Tree

Latin name: Torreya grandis

Family: Cephalotaxaceae (Plum Yew Family)

Medicinal use of Chinese Nutmeg Tree:

The flowers are anthelmintic and carminative. The seed is anthelmintic, antitussive, laxative and peptic.

Description of the plant:

Habitat of the herb:

Woodlands, 1000 - 1600 metres. Mountains, open valleys, often by streams, on yellow, red, and dark soils at elevations of 200 - 1400 metres.

Edible parts of Chinese Nutmeg Tree:

Seed - roasted. An edible oil is obtained from the seed.

Other uses of the herb:

An essential oil is extracted from the aril (fruit). The wood is used in constructing buildings, bridges, and furniture.

Propagation of Chinese Nutmeg Tree:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Some of the seed should germinate in the following spring though much of it might take another 12 months. Stored seed requires a period of cold stratification and can take 18 months or more to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as growth is observed and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least the next couple of winters, making sure to pot them on into larger pots as and when required. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer when the plants are at least 20cm tall. Cuttings of half-ripe shoots in late summer. Cuttings do not grow well. Layering.

Cultivation of the herb:

Woodlands, 1000 - 1600 metres. Mountains, open valleys, often by streams, on yellow, red, and dark soils at elevations of 200 - 1400 metres.

Known hazards of Torreya grandis:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.