Taxus sumatrana
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| Taxus sumatrana (Pilger) Rehd. |
Taxus sumatrana is an evergreen shrub and one of the eight species of the yew. It is found in a number of countries, including Afghanistan, Tibet, Nepal, Vietnam, India, Burma and China, and is known as the Chinese yew. It is typically found at heights ranging from 400-3100m[1] in subtropical forest and on highland ridges. It can also be found conserved in the Taroko National Park in Taiwan and the Ayubia National Park in Pakistan.
[edit] Appearance
The Taxus sumatrana is a wide trunked, bushy tree that grows to an average height of 14m. It's leaves are 1.2-2.7 cm long and 2-2.5 mm wide, and grow in two ranks along the branches, abruptly spiralling into an apex at the tip[2], with a pale yellow-green colour on top, and light green underneath. The Chinese yew has fleshy seeds that ripen into a red colour, and a grey-red bark which exfoliates in irregular 1.5 mm thick flakes and leaves scars on the trunk that appear yellow quickly after cutting[3].
[edit] Uses
The oil used to mark a red spot on the forehead of a Brahmin is made by mixing oil with the bark from this tree. Chinese yews are also used for clogs, whip handles, bed frames and bows.
