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: Chinese Plum Yew

General Information

Cephalotaxus hainanensis is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 metres tall. The bole can be 20 - 50cm in diameter[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of wood. It is harvested on a commercial basis for its stems and bark, which are a source of compounds used in anticancer treatments. The plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens.
Past population declines have been due to logging and more recently exploitation of bark and leaves which contain the valuable medicinal extracts, cephalotaxine and harringtonine. The main threat now is habitat destruction due to the expansion of tourist developments (ongoing). As with other members of the genus, the maturation rate of the seed is slow and regeneration is relatively infrequent. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - southern China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam

Habitat

Mixed forests and forested ravines; at elevations around 800 - 1,200 metres[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Cephalotaxus hainanensis is a plant of moderate elevations in the subtropics and tropics of China and southeast Asia. It can tolerate some frost when dormant, surviving temperatures falling to between -6.6°c and -1.1°c[]. The young growth in spring, 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[].
Closely related to Cephalotaxus harringtonia[, ].
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[]. Fairly large, about 25mm x 17mm[]. No more details, though it is closely related to Cephalotaxus 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[]. The obovoid-ellipsoid or obovoid seed is 22 - 28mm long[].

Medicinal

Extracts from the plant have shown anticancer activity[]. The branches, roots, leaves, and seeds are a source of many alkaloids, which are used to treat leukaemia and lymphosarcoma[].

Other Uses

The wood has been logged in the past[, ].
We have no more specific information for this species, but the wood of other closely-related species in this genus is insect resistant and of high quality, being used for making furniture, implements etc[].

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[].