Herb latin name: Cephalotaxus wilsoniana


Family: Cephalotaxaceae (Plum Yew Family)



Edible parts of Cephalotaxus wilsoniana:

Fruit. Fairly large, about 30mm x 15mm. We have no more details, though this plant is closely related to C. harringtonia, the fruit of which is edible raw if fully ripe. 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. It is quite likely that the seed of this species is also edible. More research is required.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Tree

Height:
10 m
(33 feet)

Flowering:
April
to May

Habitat of the herb:

An understorey tree in woodlands.

Propagation of Cephalotaxus wilsoniana:

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 the herb:

An understorey tree in woodlands.

Medicinal use of Cephalotaxus wilsoniana:

None known

Known hazards of Cephalotaxus wilsoniana:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.