Conifer Trees Database

Description. Taiwan plum-yew is an evergreen, coniferous species of tree that grows to mature heights of 9 m with pendant branches.

• Leaves have a linear outline, and a slightly falcate shape, spreading in 2 ranks. Individual needles measure 1.2 to 1.6 inches (3 - 4 cm) long and 0.1 to 0.12 inch (2.5 - 3.0 mm) with a wide acute apex and narrow base. Needles color is dark-green adaxially, with two grayish white stomatal bands beneath.
• Trunk bark is dull reddish brown in color and thinly flaky, with flakes measuring about 0.012 inch (0.4 mm) in thickness. Lenticels are inconspicuous. Outer bark is fibrous and 0.04 to 0.06 inch (1 - 1.5 mm) thick, with grayish brown and somewhat tiered cross-sections. Newly formed periderm is deep purplish red in color; phelloderm is almost inconspicuous. Inner bark is fibrous, measuring 0.12 to 0.16 inch (3 - 4 mm) thick and is more or less tiered. Cambium and newly formed phloem are indistinct. Freshly cut sapwood is pale yellowish orange in color. Wood rays are inconspicuous.
• Seed cones are drupe-like, with ovoid to obovoid shape, measuring about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, becoming dark purple at maturity, ripening in September.

This conifer differs from C. sinensis in that at least some leaves are tapered from a point above middle of blade but well below the apex, the leaves being circa 10 times as long as wide.

Distribution. This species is native to Taiwan, widely but sparsely distributed in mid-elevation woodlands, e.g. Miaoli Xian: Taian Hsiang: Kuanwu, by guesthouse of the Taiwan Forestry Bureau, growing at 6,600 feet (2,000 m) elevation. Plants in cultivation in gardens originated locally in Taichung Xian: Hoping Xiang: Lishan, growing at 9,900 feet (3.000 m) elevation along open roadsides. These tree are circa 10 feet (3 m) tall. In Hualien Xian: Xiulin Xiang: en route from Wuchiapengshan to Chilai, growing in broadleaf forests to mixed broadleaf and coniferous forest at 6,600 to 6,900 feet (2,000 to 2,100 m) elevation. On the exposed slope below trail; there is only one tree that is maybe cultivated. That tree is circa 10 feet (3 m) tall with bluish green fruits.

Hardy to USDA Zone 8 - cold hardiness limit between 10° and 20°F (-12.1° and -6.7°C).