Common Name: Assam Catkin Yew

General Information

Amentotaxus assamica is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 metres tall. The trunk sometimes divides into two low down.
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its wood.
This species, as far as is known, has a small extent of occurrence) and a small area of occupancy, it is known from only two to three locations and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat in at least some parts of its range. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - India (Arunachal Pradesh)

Habitat

Warm temperate montane rain forest on north-facing slopes; at elevations frpm 1,600 - 2,000 metres[]

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Amentotaxus species are generally natives of warm temperate, subtropical and tropical forested areas in east Asia. Most are tolerant of some frost, but only if there has first been a hot summer to fully ripen the wood. They therefore usually only succeed outdoors in warm temperate to tropical areas[]. Amentotaxus assamica can withstand light to moderate frost, it can tolerate temperatures falling to between -6.6°c and -1.1°c[].
Succeeds in fairly dense shade when young but becoming more tolerant of full sun as it grows larger[]. Succeeds in a wide range of soils, preferring one that is well-drained, moist and sandy[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaves and stems of various species in this genus are being investigated as a potential source of compounds used in anti-cancer drugs[].

Other Uses

The wood is used locally for house construction[].

Propagation

Seed - can be very slow to germinate, often taking 2 or more years[, ]. It is best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn when it should germinate 18 months later. Stored seed may take 2 years or more to germinate. 4 months warm followed by 4 months cold stratification may help reduce the germination time[]. Harvesting the seed 'green' (when fully developed but before it has dried on the plant) and then sowing it immediately has not been found to reduce the germination time because the inhibiting factors develop too early[]. Seed voided by birds after they have eaten the fruit tends to germinate well, so scarifying the seed prior to sowing might be useful. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in pots in a cold frame. The seedlings are very slow-growing and will probably require at least 2 years of pot cultivation before being large enough to plant out. Any planting out is best done in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts[].
Cuttings of half-ripe terminal shoots, 5 - 8cm long, July/August in a shaded frame. Should root by late September but leave them in the frame over winter and plant out in late spring[]. High percentage[].
Cuttings of ripe terminal shoots, taken in winter after a hard frost, in a shaded frame[].