Scientific Name
Other Names
Life Form
Synonyms
Family
Medicine - The alkaloid compounds (taxanes) of the bark are a source for the anti-cancer drug paclitaxel (Taxol) which has become a major reason for exploitation in recent years. The leaves yield similar chemicals in low concentrations.
Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal
It grows as an understorey or lower canopy tree in montane, temperate, warm temperate, and tropical submontane to high montane coniferous, broad-leaved and mixed forest at altitudes of 900-3700 m asl.
Its slow growth and dense form make it ideal for hedges and formal gardens. Most parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
It is an evergreen, dioecious coniferous tree that grows up to 10-20 meters tall.
Stem is erect and woody, with reddish-brown bark that peels off in thin strips. The crown is conical when young, becoming broader with age.
Leaves are linear, 2‑4 cm long, flat, and dark green. They are arranged spirally on the stem but appear two-ranked due to twisting. Leaves have a sharp, pointed tip and a midrib.
Male cones are small, round, and yellow, occurring at the ends of branches. Female cones are inconspicuous, with a single ovule surrounded by a fleshy cup-like structure.
Mature cone is a fleshy, red, berry-like structure called an aril. It partially encloses a single, hard, brown seed.
Male cone: March Female cone: March Mature cone: Autumn