Yunnan Nutmeg Yew (Torreya yunnanensis)

Family: Cephalotaxaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Torreya yunnanensis is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft 3in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich in oil. — No more details are given but it is likely that the seed can be eaten raw or cooked and is rich in oil.; An edible oil is obtained from the seed.

Habitat & North American Range

Coniferous and mixed forests in warm temperate zones, locally a common forest tree, at levations of 1500 - 3400 metres in NW Yunnan. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)