Taxus Wallichiana
Contents
Description
Taxus Wallichiana, commonly known as the Himalayan yew, is a coniferous evergreen tree that belongs to the family Taxaceae. It is native to the Himalayan region, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan. This tree is highly valued for its medicinal properties and the production of yew wood, which is used for making bows, furniture, and other decorative items.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Taxaceae |
| Genus | Taxus |
Appearance
Taxus Wallichiana can grow up to 20-30 meters tall and 2 meters in diameter. Its bark is reddish-brown and scaly. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and needle-like, measuring 2-5 cm long and 2 mm wide. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are yellowish-green in color. The fruit is a bright red, fleshy aril that surrounds a single hard seed.
Care Guide
Taxus Wallichiana requires moderate watering and fertile, well-drained soil. It prefers full to partial sun exposure and can thrive in hardiness zones 6-9. Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to maintain the desired shape and size.
Common Pests & Diseases
Common pests and diseases that affect Taxus Wallichiana include spider mites, scale insects, and root rot. Spider mites and scale insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Root rot can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering.
Habitat
Taxus Wallichiana is native to the Himalayan region and can be found in forests, rocky slopes, and river banks at elevations of 1,500-4,000 meters above sea level. It prefers cool and moist environments and can tolerate moderate levels of shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Taxus Wallichiana poisonous?
A: Yes, all parts of the tree, except for the arils, contain a toxic substance called taxol.
Q: What is taxol used for?
A: Taxol is used in chemotherapy for the treatment of certain types of cancer.
Q: Can Taxus Wallichiana be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers, but it may not reach its full potential size.
Q: How long does it take for Taxus Wallichiana to grow to maturity?
A: It can take up to 50 years for the tree to reach maturity.
Related Plants
- Taxus baccata (English yew)
- Taxus brevifolia (Pacific yew)
- Taxus contorta (Chinese yew)
- Taxus cuspidata (Japanese yew)
References
- “Taxus Wallichiana”. Flora of Pakistan.
- “Taxus Wallichiana”. Royal Horticultural Society.
- “Taxus Wallichiana”. Missouri Botanical Garden.
- “Taxus Wallichiana”. Plants of the World Online.
