Broadleaf plum yew (Cephalotaxus latifolia)
Cephalotaxus latifolia - Broad-leaved Plum Yew Species Profile
Thriving in the mountainous regions of southern China, Cephalotaxus latifolia is a slow-growing evergreen shrub or small tree. It is commonly referred to as the broad-leaved plum yew due to its characteristically wide foliage. The species was formally described in 1999, resolving earlier taxonomic validation issues.
This plant plays an ecological role in montane thickets and secondary forests. It is closely related to both Cephalotaxus sinensis and Cephalotaxus harringtonia, sharing several morphological similarities.
Taxonomy
- ∟ царство Plantae
- ∟ division Tracheophytes
- ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
- ∟ superclass Gymnospermae
- ∟ division Pinophyta
- ∟ subclass Cupressidae
- ∟ order Cupressales (Cypresses and junipers)
- ∟ family Cephalotaxaceae (Plum-yews family)
- ∟ genus Cephalotaxus (Plum yew)
- ∟ species Cephalotaxus latifolia (Broadleaf plum yew)
Morphology
The physical structure of Cephalotaxus latifolia sets it apart from other members of the genus. It usually grows as a compact shrub or small tree, reaching a maximum height of about 5 meters. The bark is grayish brown, covering sturdy branches that support flat, spreading sprays of foliage.
Key botanical features include:
- Leaves: The needles are thick, leathery, and linear, measuring 1.6 to 3 centimeters long and 2.8 to 6 millimeters wide. They are sessile, attaching directly to the twig, and feature a dark olive-green upper surface with 11 to 15 white stomatal lines underneath.
- Reproductive Structures: Male cones are borne on short stalks, while female cones are clustered in groups of two to six.
- Seeds: The obovate seeds reach up to 2 centimeters in length and terminate in a small, sharp point at the apex.
Flowering season
May
Applications
The wood and branches of Cephalotaxus latifolia are sometimes harvested locally for fuel and basic agricultural implements. In traditional Chinese medicine, various parts of the plant have been collected for their perceived therapeutic benefits. Like other members of the genus, it is also researched for active alkaloids with potential medicinal properties.
Interesting facts
This mountain-dwelling conifer has several interesting aspects:
- Nomenclature: The species name latifolia translates to 'broad-leaved,' highlighting its unusually wide needles compared to other plum yews.
- Taxonomic History: The first description in 1975 was declared invalid because the authors designated both a male and a female specimen as holotypes, a mistake that was corrected in 1999.
- High Elevation Specialist: It thrives at elevations between 900 and 2,400 meters, often adapting a shrubby growth habit on exposed mountain peaks.
Geography of distribution
- China
Sources
- Cheng, W.C. & Fu, L.K. (1999). Novon 9(2): 185–186.
- The Gymnosperm Database (conifers.org).
- Flora of China, Vol. 4.
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.