Cephalotaxus wilsoniana

Cephalotaxus wilsoniana
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Gymnospermae
Division: Pinophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Cupressales
Family: Taxaceae
Genus: Cephalotaxus
Species:
C. wilsoniana
Binomial name
Cephalotaxus wilsoniana

Cephalotaxus wilsoniana is a species of coniferous tree in the yew family, Taxaceae. Its common names include Taiwan plum yew, Taiwan cow's-tail pine,[2] and Wilson plum yew. It is endemic to Taiwan,[1] scattered in montane forests at altitudes of 1400-2700 meters.[3] As Cephalotaxus wilsoniana is dioecious, and grows scattered with broad-leaved trees, the fecundity is not strong. In addition, the seed maturity period is very long. As germination and growth are also slow, Cephalotaxus wilsoniana is not commonly found.

This taxon is sometimes considered to be a variety of Cephalotaxus harringtonii.[1]

This conifer grows up to 9 meters tall with drooping branches and reddish-brown flaky bark. It grows in scattered populations in the woodlands of Taiwan. It is sometimes cultivated in local gardens.[2]

The wood of Cephalotaxus wilsoniana is light yellowish brown with dense structure and excellent quality, which can be used for construction, furniture, agricultural appliances. A variety of plant alkaloids can be extracted from leaves, branches, roots and seeds.[3]


  1. ^ a b c Yang, Y. & Luscombe, D 2013. Cephalotaxus harringtonii var. wilsoniana. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2015.2. Downloaded on 01 September 2015.
  2. ^ a b Cephalotaxus wilsoniana. The Gymnosperm Database.
  3. ^ a b "Cephalotaxus wilsoniana Hayata" (in Chinese). Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae.