Chinese Nutmeg Tree
Torreya grandis Fortune ex Lindl.
Torreya grandis, known as the Chinese Nutmeg Tree, is a conifer species in the family Taxaceae. It is native to eastern and southeastern China, including coastal provinces like Fujian, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu, as well as inland regions such as Anhui, Guizhou, Hunan, and Jiangxi. This tree thrives in mountainous and open valley areas, often near streams, at elevations between 200 and 1,400 meters. It can grow up to 39 meters tall and is valued for its long economic life, estimated to exceed a thousand years.
Description
Torreya grandis is a species of conifer in the family Taxaceae, with a history dating back to the Jurassic period. It is known for its edible seeds that resemble nutmeg and yew-like foliage, though it is unrelated to true yews (Taxus). The species is endemic to China, where it grows in a range of habitats, including coastal and inland regions. It is considered a valuable tree species due to its longevity and multiple uses.
Other common names
Chinese Nutmeg TreeChinese Torreya
Distribution
Global · China North-Central · China South-Central · China Southeast
Synonyms
Tumion grandeCaryotaxus grandisTorreya nucifera var. grandisTorreya grandis f. majorTorreya grandis f. non-apiculataTorreya grandis var. chingiiTorreya grandis var. dielsiiTorreya grandis var. merrilliiTorreya grandis var. sargentiiTunion grande
