Common Name: Chinese Nutmeg Tree

General Information

Torreya grandis is an evergreen shrub or a tree that can grow up to 25 metres tall. The bole is usually up to 50cm in diameter, exceptionally to 200cm[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is sometimes cultivated for its edible seed, which is sold in local markets. It is also sometimes grown as an ornamental.
This species has a wide range and is known from many localities. Whilst there would have been population reduction in the past due to exploitation for its timber and general forest clearance at lower elevations for agricultural expansion, as the seed of this species is sought after both for its oil and to be eaten, mature trees have generally been preserved. Hence any reduction is likely to be well below 30% and probably lower than 20%. There has also been a ban on logging since 2001. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - central and southern China.

Habitat

An understorey tree, occasionally reaching the canopy, in mixed forests; commonly found along streams or in shady spots in the forest. Sometimes found in secondary vegetation, but not persisting; at elevations from 200 - 1,400 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	18.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Torreya grandis is moderately cold-hardy when dormant, tolerating occasional temperatures falling to between -12.1°c and -6.7°c[]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it only succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of the country[]. It succeeds outdoors at Kew[], a tree was 8 metres tall in 1970[].
Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, tolerating some lime[]. Found in the wild on yellow, red, and dark soils[]. Requires a sheltered position and either high humidity or a moist riverside soil[]. Dislikes wind exposure[]. Tolerates woodland shade very well[]. Requires hot, very humid summers for best growth[].
This species is generally well adapted to growing in primary woodland. The seedlings are very shade tolerant, establishing well in the deeper shade of a woodland and then growing up to the light. Plants can sometimes be found growing in secondary vegetation, but they do not usually persist, being outcompeted by other, more light-tolerant species such as bamboo and other weedy plants[].
This species is common in cultivation in China (especially in Zhejiang), where some forms with various shapes and sizes (up to 5 cm long) of the arillous seeds are treated as cultivars and these are planted as fruit trees or shrubs in special plantations[].
The Chinese Nutmeg Tree was introduced to England by Robert Fortune in 1855, but remains uncommon in cultivation in Europe and elsewhere. Where it is grown it develops into a shrubby habit, not a monopodial tree[].
The seed takes two summers to mature[]. The edible seed of this very ornamental evergreen tree is often sold in local markets in China[].
Closely related to Torreya nucifera[].
Plants are dioecious so both male and female plants are required if seed is to be produced. Occasional trees are monoecious with dioecious branches.

Edible Uses

Seed - roasted[, , , , , ]. Eaten like nuts[].

An edible oil is obtained from the seed[].

Medicinal

The flowers are anthelmintic and carminative[].

The seed is anthelmintic, antitussive, laxative and peptic[].

The seeds proper (kernels) are sold in Chinese drug shops as a remedy against coughs and can be eaten as nuts[].

Other Uses

An essential oil is extracted from the aril (fruit)[].

A high quality, very durable wood. It is used in building houses, bridges, and furniture; some of it is also used to make utensils and for wood turning[, ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Some of the seed should germinate in the following spring though much of it might take another 12 months. Stored seed requires a period of cold stratification and can take 18 months or more to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as growth is observed and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least the next couple of winters, making sure to pot them on into larger pots as and when required. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer when the plants are at least 20cm tall.
Cuttings of half-ripe shoots in late summer[]. Cuttings do not grow well[].
Layering.