Torreya grandis

Torreya grandis (Torreya grandis Fortune ex Lindl.) – a species of evergreen coniferous shrubs of the yew family (Taxaceae). It was first described by Robert Fortune in 1857 in the journal «Gardeners' Chronicle and Agricultural Gazette» (47 (November 21)): 788–789.

Native to China (Anhui, Fujian, Guizhou, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Zhejiang). Grows in mountains, in valleys, along streams, in shaded places in forests. Occurs at elevations of 200-1400 m above sea level.

It is an evergreen coniferous tree 17-25 (39) m in height, with a trunk diameter of 0.5-2 m. Bark grayish-brown, with irregular vertical fissures. Shoots yellowish-gray, glabrous, later becoming yellowish-green, light brown or yellow pale-brown in color.

Leaves linear-lanceolate, held toward the shoots at an angle of 60-90°, glossy, bright green, (0.7-) 1.1-2.5 (- 4.5) cm × 2-3.5 mm, with 2 stomatal bands on the underside, (0.2-) 0.3-0.4 mm wide, with a blunt or rounded base, acuminate. Petiole 0.5-1 mm.

Pollen-bearing spikes columnar, about 0.8 mm long, pale purplish-brown in color.

Seeds ellipsoid-ovoid or obovoid in shape, 2-4.5 × 1.2-2.5 cm, slightly ribbed. Seeds are edible. The aril is green in color.

Varieties: Torreya grandis cv. Merrillii

Hardiness zone: 6b (-20 to -15°C)

Exposure: shade-tolerant; requires locations sheltered from sun and wind. Does not like dry air.

Soil: Grows in any garden soil, not demanding in fertility, but more ornamental on calcareous and loamy soils.

Planting: soil mix – topsoil, peat and sand in proportions 3:2:2. Tolerates transplanting well, even at an older age. Optimal spacing between plants 0.6-2.5 m; for large specimens 3-4 m. Dig the planting hole to a depth of 70 cm, with the root collar at ground level. For hedges, dig trenches 50 cm deep and 50 cm wide.

Care: In hot and dry summers, to maintain ornamental appearance it is recommended to water the plant 1-2 times a month at a rate of 11-12 L per plant and to perform overhead watering (sprinkling) once every 2 weeks. In the first years after planting it is recommended to loosen the soil to a depth of 10-15 cm. Young trees are recommended to be winter-covered with a 5-7 cm layer of peat and protected from sunscald with conifer branches.

Pruning: tolerates clipping and pruning well.

Pests and diseases: practically not affected.

Propagation: produces root and stump shoots. Propagated by seed and cuttings.

Uses: used for creating hedges or as solitary specimens on lawns. Can be grown as a houseplant. Seeds are edible. Wood is used for furniture making.