The genus Cephalotaxus is a very difficult one taxonomically since most species are very similar and the key differences that distinguish them generally intergrade morphologically. Over 70 names have been published, though modern treatments usually restrict the genus to between 6 - 8 species. It can be difficult to know how to identify individual plants, with differences of opinion coming from decisions of taxonomists in different countries. We are following the treatment in Lang, X.D., Su, J.R., Lu, S.G. & Zhang, Z.J. (2013). A taxonomic revision of the genus Cephalotaxus (Taxaceae). Phytotaxa 84: 1-24.[].

Common Name:

General Information

Cephalotaxus alpina is an evergreen shrub or a tree that can grow from 2 - 13 metres tall. The bole can be 10 - 20cm or more in diameter[].
The plant is harvested from the wild as a source of oil, and also probably as a food. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it can be used to make a hedge[].
This taxon appears to have a small area of occupancy (estimated from herbarium collections to be 589 km²) that is certainly less than 2,000 km², and the population is severely fragmented. No specific threats or recent declines have been observed or recorded. However some decline is suspected due to high rates of deforestation in some parts of its range at the end of the last century. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, 200,

Range

E. Asia - southwest China (southern Gansu, Sichuan, northern Yunnan, ?Shaanxi)

Habitat

An understorey shrub or small tree in mixed conifer forests, and along mountain streams; at elevations from 885 - 2,554 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Cephalotaxus alpina is fairly cold tolerant when dormant, tolerating temperatures that can fall below -15°c. The young growth in spring however, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[].
Prefers a moist well-drained sandy soil but succeeds in most soils though it dislikes dry gravelly or chalky soils[, ]. Prefers a position in semi-shade but tolerates full shade[, ] and it also succeeds but does not usually thrive in full sun[]. It grows very well in the mild wet coastal region of W. Scotland where it succeeds even in full sun[]. Requires a humid sheltered site[], strongly disliking very exposed positions[].
A very slow growing tree[].
Plants are dioecious, but female plants sometimes produce fruits and infertile seeds in the absence of any male plants[]. However, at least one male plant for every five females should be grown if you are growing the plants for fruit and seed. Plants have also been known to change sex[]. Male cones are produced in the axils of the previous year's leaves, whilst female cones are borne at the base of branchlets[].

Edible Uses

Fruit. - raw or cooked. 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[].

Seed - raw or cooked. The ellipsoid seed is 12 - 23mm long, 1mm wide[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

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

Other Uses

An oil obtained from the seed is used as an illuminant[].

Propagation

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, mid summer to early autumn in a humid cold frame[, ]. Difficult[].