Taxus wallichiana Seeds | Himalayan Yew
LATIN NAME: Taxus wallichiana
COMMON NAME: Himalayan Yew
Plant Profile
Taxus wallichiana, commonly known as Himalayan Yew, is an evergreen tree in the family Taxaceae, native to himalaya (pakistan, India, nepal (from afghanistan east. Herb slowly grows into a rounded crown, with a mature height of 5-10 metres. Plant it in partial or full shade with deep, fertile ground. When it flowers, local bees and other insects make good use of it. Taken as a whole, it is a plant that repays a little attention many times over.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Taxus wallichiana, a representative of Taxaceae with clear practical value. The Himalayan yew has a real and distinguished place in the research. Contemporary seed practice means a grower can raise it confidently with standard techniques.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Himalayan Yew for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Ecologically, the Himalayan yew is a generous tree of the garden. Its small, red, fleshy, cup-like arils feed birds, and its fine, flat, dark-green foliage gives a dense, evergreen cover and a shelter to birds through the year. Because wild tree has been under greatest pressure, it is best grown with greatest care, and protection and replanting of yew have been of utmost importance. Mature plants need little attention in a well-chosen position.
Yews gave oncology paclitaxel, Taxol, from their bark, a landmark anticancer drug; every part of the tree is dangerously toxic except the red aril’s flesh, so yews are magnificent garden conifers to admire, never to sample.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Himalayan Yew under ordinary good conditions. Sow the seeds evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, keep the sowing evenly moist, and give the pot or tray bright light. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
Being an evergreen tree, it asks for a permanent spot and repays it yearly. Sun and good drainage cover most of its demands.
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