Drupe Harrington Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonia subsp. drupacea)

Drupe plum-yew Japanese plum-yew Cow's-tail pine
Silhouette: LeonardoG (photography) and T. Michael Keesey (vectorization) / License

Cephalotaxus harringtonia subsp. drupacea - Japanese Drupe Plum-Yew

Occupying the damp understory of temperate East Asian forests, Cephalotaxus harringtonia subsp. drupacea exhibits excellent tolerance to deep shade. It is a slow-growing conifer that plays a vital role in forest ecology. The plant is widely recognized for both its ornamental appeal and its unique chemical composition.

Taxonomy

Morphology

This evergreen conifer typically forms a spreading shrub or small tree with a rounded crown. The needles are flat, linear, and arranged in two distinct ranks that form a neat V-shaped pattern along the twigs. Each leaf features two prominent white stomatal bands on its lower surface, which aids in photosynthetic efficiency under dense forest canopies.

Being dioecious, individual plants produce either male pollen cones or female seed structures. The female seeds are enclosed in a fleshy, green aril that matures into a soft, purplish-brown, drupe-like structure resembling a plum. The bark is greyish-brown and tends to peel in thin, vertical strips as the plant matures.

Flowering season

Spring

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Applications

The wood is highly valued in specialty carpentry for its fine texture, flexibility, and attractive light color. Beyond timber, the subspecies is famous as a source of harringtonine, an alkaloid with proven efficacy in modern oncology treatments. It is also grown in shaded garden landscapes as a low-maintenance hedge.

Interesting facts

The subspecific name drupacea directly references the plum-like appearance of its seeds, which are not true fruits but specialized gymnosperm structures. In traditional Japanese culture, the oil pressed from these seeds was once used for illumination. It is highly resistant to browsing by deer, which avoid its toxic foliage.

Geography of distribution

  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • China

Sources

  • POWO: Plants of the World Online
  • WFO: World Flora Online
  • GBIF: Global Biodiversity Information Facility

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos