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Description
Cephalotaxus Fortunei, also known as Fortune’s cephalotaxus, is a slow-growing evergreen coniferous tree that belongs to the Cephalotaxaceae family. It is native to China, where it grows in mountainous areas at elevations of 1,000-3,000 meters above sea level. The tree can reach up to 20 meters in height with a spread of 8 meters at full maturity. It has a narrow, pyramidal shape with dark green needles that are arranged in spirals around the branches. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers that develop into fleshy, bright red berries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Cephalotaxales |
| Family | Cephalotaxaceae |
| Genus | Cephalotaxus |
Appearance
Cephalotaxus Fortunei has a narrow, pyramidal shape with a dense crown of dark green needles that are around 2-4 cm long and arranged in spirals around the branches. The needles have a glossy, leathery texture and a sharp tip. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers that develop into fleshy, bright red berries that are around 1 cm in diameter. The berries contain a single seed and are not edible for humans. The bark of the tree is brownish-grey and has a scaly texture.
Care Guide
Cephalotaxus Fortunei is a low-maintenance tree that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:
- Water: The tree prefers moist soil, so water it regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in spring using a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
- Soil: The tree prefers well-draining, acidic soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Add organic matter to the soil to improve its quality.
- Sunlight: The tree prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade but may grow slower.
- Hardiness Zones: Cephalotaxus Fortunei is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cephalotaxus Fortunei is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is not well-draining. Here are some common pests and diseases:
- Root rot: This is caused by overwatering or poorly-draining soil. Symptoms include yellowing leaves and wilting.
- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and bronzing of the needles. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
- Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing and stunted growth. Use horticultural oil to control them.
Habitat
Cephalotaxus Fortunei is native to China, where it grows in mountainous areas at elevations of 1,000-3,000 meters above sea level. It prefers cool, moist environments with well-draining soil. The tree is often used in ornamental landscaping and can be found in parks, gardens, and along roadsides.
Question and Answer
- Q: Is Cephalotaxus Fortunei drought-tolerant?
- A: No, the tree prefers moist soil and may suffer from drought stress.
- Q: Can Cephalotaxus Fortunei be grown in a container?
- A: Yes, the tree can be grown in a container as long as it is provided with enough space and good drainage.
- Q: Does Cephalotaxus Fortunei require pruning?
- A: No, the tree does not require pruning unless it is necessary to shape or remove damaged branches.
- Q: Is Cephalotaxus Fortunei toxic to pets?
- A: Yes, the tree and its berries contain toxic alkaloids that can be harmful to pets if ingested.
Related Plants
- Cephalotaxus Harringtonia
- Cephalotaxus Sinensis
- Cephalotaxus Gracilis
- Cephalotaxus Koreanensis
References
- “Cephalotaxus Fortunei.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c322.
- “Cephalotaxus Fortunei.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/25304/Cephalotaxus-fortunei/Details.
- “Fortune’s Cephalotaxus.” The Morton Arboretum, www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/fortunes-cephalotaxus.
