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Description
Amentotaxus is a genus of small trees and shrubs native to China, Japan, and Vietnam. It belongs to the family Cephalotaxaceae, which also includes the genera Cephalotaxus and Torreya. The genus Amentotaxus contains only two species: Amentotaxus argotaenia and Amentotaxus formosana.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya||————-|————|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Pinophyta|| Class| Pinopsida|| Order| Pinales|| Family| Cephalotaxaceae || Genus| Amentotaxus |
Appearance
Amentotaxus trees are evergreen and can grow up to 20 meters tall. They have a conical shape and their branches are arranged in a spiral pattern. The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and grow up to 10 cm long. They are dark green on top and have two white stripes on the underside. The trees also produce small, inconspicuous flowers that develop into round, blue-black fruits that are about 1 cm in diameter.
Care Guide
Amentotaxus trees prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. They are hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9. Water them regularly, especially during dry periods, and fertilize them in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Prune them in the late winter or early spring to maintain their shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.
Common Pests & Diseases
Amentotaxus trees are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering. Aphids and spider mites can also infest the trees, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Amentotaxus trees are native to the forests of China, Japan, and Vietnam. They grow in cool, moist environments and are often found in the understory of larger trees. They are also cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens and parks.
Question and Answer
Q: Are Amentotaxus trees difficult to grow?
A: No, Amentotaxus trees are fairly easy to grow as long as their soil is well-drained and they are not overwatered.
Q: Can Amentotaxus trees be grown in pots?
A: Yes, Amentotaxus trees can be grown in pots as long as they are given enough space to grow and their soil is well-drained.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Amentotaxus tree?
A: You should fertilize your Amentotaxus tree once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Amentotaxus trees be used as hedges?
A: Yes, Amentotaxus trees can be used as hedges, but they may require more pruning to maintain their shape.
Related Plants
Other plants in the family Cephalotaxaceae include:- Cephalotaxus fortunei (Chinese plum yew)- Cephalotaxus harringtonia (Japanese plum yew)- Torreya nucifera (Japanese nutmeg yew)
References
– “Amentotaxus.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287933.- “Amentotaxus.” The Plant List, www.theplantlist.org/1.1/browse/A/Cephalotaxaceae/Amentotaxus/.
