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 oliveri is an evergreen shrub or a tree that can grow up to 7 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild on a commercial basis for its bark (also twigs, roots and seeds), which contains anti-carcinogenic alkaloids, used for medicinal purposes. It is grown as an ornamental shrub both in and outside China, where it can be used as a hedge.
This species has a relatively wide geographical range and broad ecological amplitude, yet it has suffered from widespread deforestation for agricultural expansion and logging of the forests for timber and fuelwood (bycatch) as well as direct exploitation for its bark and other plant parts (all ongoing threats). The clearance of forests has resulted in reduced regeneration of this species, it prefers shady areas for germination and growth. The species has low genetic diversity which also reduces its ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - southern China

Habitat

An understorey shrub in evergreen, broad-leaved forests; at elevations from 300 - 2,300 metres[, ]. Coniferous and broad-leaved forests; at elevations from 300 - 1,800 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Cephalotaxus oliveri is a plant of warm temperate to subtropical regions of China. When dormant it can tolerate temperatures down to between -12.1 and -6.7°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[].
Sometimes grown as an ornamental, it should certainly be suitable as a garden shrub in countries with mild and (nearly) frost-free winters[].
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

We have no details for this species but it is in a genus where many of the members have edible seed and fruit[]. The fruit is up to 3cm long[]. It is certainly worthy of more research[]. 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[].

The obovoid, ovoid, or almost globose seed can be 22 - 27mm long and 14 - 18mm wide[].

Medicinal

The bark (also twigs, roots and seeds) contains anti-carcinogenic alkaloids, used in making pharmaceutical drugs[].

Other Uses

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

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[].