Taxaceae FAMILY Least Concern

Torreya grandis

Edibility

3/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Botanical Description

Torreya grandis is an evergreen shrub or a tree that can grow up to 25 metres tall. The bole is usually up to 50cm in diameter, exceptionally to 200cm[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. ]. The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is sometimes cultivated for its edible seed, which is sold in local markets. It is also sometimes grown as an ornamental. This species has a wide range and is known from many localities. Whilst there would have been population reduction in the past due to exploitation for its timber and general forest clearance at lower elevations for agricultural expansion, as the seed of this species is sought after both for its oil and to be eaten, mature trees have generally been preserved. Hence any reduction is likely to be well below 30% and probably lower than 20%. There has also been a ban on logging since 2001. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeE. Asia - central and southern China.

HabitatAn understorey tree, occasionally reaching the canopy, in mixed forests; commonly found along streams or in shady spots in the forest. Sometimes found in secondary vegetation, but not persisting; at elevations from 200 - 1,400 metres[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. , 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].