Family: Taxaceae
Author: (L.) Siebold & Zucc.
Bibliography: Abh. Math.-Phys. Cl. Königl. Bayer. Akad. Wiss. 4(3): 234 (1846)
Year: 1846
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Torreya
Vegetable: False
Observations: Korea (Wando, Cheju-do), SC. & S. Japan
Description
The Japanese torreya, scientifically known as Torreya nucifera, is an evergreen conifer that belongs to the family Taxaceae. This tree species is native to regions of Southern and South-Central Japan and also found in parts of Korea, particularly on Wando and Cheju-do islands. The Japanese torreya was first described in the mid-19th century and included in the works by Siebold and Zuccarini in 1846.
Japanese torreya trees are recognized for their robust and dense foliage, which can provide excellent cover and aesthetic appeal in gardens and landscapes. The leaves are needle-like and dark green, contributing to the tree’s lush appearance year-round. The tree can grow to considerable heights, often reaching up to 25 meters, making it a prominent feature in its native habitats.
These trees produce seeds encased in a fleshy covering, resembling a nut, which has been traditionally used in Japan and Korea for various purposes, including culinary uses. The seeds have a unique flavor and are sometimes roasted or added to dishes for their distinct taste.
In addition to their practical uses, Japanese torreyas hold cultural significance in their native regions. The wood from these trees is highly valued for its durability and fine grain, often used in carpentry and crafting items such as furniture, decorative objects, and even ceremonial items.
In botanical and ecological studies, Japanese torreya is noted for its adaptability to different soil types and its moderate resistance to various diseases and pests. This makes it a viable option for cultivation beyond its native range, provided that the climatic conditions mimic those of its natural habitat.
In summary, the Japanese torreya is a notable evergreen conifer with both ecological and cultural importance in East Asia. Beyond its striking physical presence, its multifaceted utility in traditional practices and its robust nature make it a significant species within the Taxaceae family.
Common Names
Deu: austragende stinkeibe, japanische nußeibe, nußeibe, stinkeibe
Eng: japanese nutmeg tree, japanese nutmeg yew, japanese torreya, japanese-nutmeg
Hun: japán nagymagvútiszafa
Swe: japansk torreya
Fra: torreya du japon
Rus: торрея орехоносная
Zho: 日本榧树 (ri ben fei shu), 玉山果 (yu shan guo), 白珠榧 (bai zhu fei)
Kor: 빚안암우 (pija namu), pija namu
Jpn: chabogaya (t. nucifera var. radicans), kaya
En: Japanese torreya, Japanese-nutmeg, Japanese nutmeg tree, Japanese nutmeg yew, Kaya
Zh: 日本榧树 (ri ben fei shu), 玉山果 (yu shan guo), 白珠榧 (bai zhu fei)
Fr: Torreya du Japon
De: Austragende Stinkeibe, Japanische Nußeibe, Nußeibe, Stinkeibe
Hu: Japán nagymagvútiszafa
Ja: Kaya, Chabogaya (T. nucifera var. radicans)
Ko: 빚안암우 (pija namu), Pija namu
Ru: Торрея орехоносная
Sv: Japansk torreya
Synonyms
- Torreya macrosperma (Miyoshi)
- Torreya nucifera var. radicans (Nakai)
- Caryotaxus nucifera ((L.) Zucc. ex Henkel & W.Hochst.)
- Torreya nucifera f. radicans ((Nakai) den Ouden)
- Torreya fruticosa (Nakai)
- Torreya ascendens (Nakai ex Uyeki)
- Torreya igaensis (Doi & Morik.)
- Tumion nuciferum ((L.) Greene)
- Torreya nucifera var. articulata (Miyoshi)
- Torreya unda (Miyoshi)
- Torreya nucifera var. prostrata (Hornibr.)
- Foetataxus nucifera ((L.) J.Nelson)
- Podocarpus nucifer ((L.) G.Don)
- Taxodium nuciferum ((L.) Brongn. ex Voigt)
- Torreya nucifera var. sphaerica (Kimura)
- Torreya nucifera f. sphaerica ((Kimura) Yonek.)
Distribution
- Japan (native)
- Korea (native)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Oct 16, 2016 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2022 by Werner Rom (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 23, 2022 by Liliana Robins (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 15, 2016 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 23, 2022 by Werner Rom (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 14, 2020 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Andrea Maldonado (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2020 by Christelle Coudray (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2022 by Thomas Norman (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2022 by mégane tedde (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 29, 2020 by yann vigne (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Oct 23, 2022 by Werner Rom (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2022 by Werner Rom (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 2, 2021 by Gianpaolo Bragagnini (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 20, 2022 by B K (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 14, 2020 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 2, 2021 by Gianpaolo Bragagnini (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jun 20, 2022 by B K (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5284492)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:263999-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Torreya nucifera (L.) Siebold & Zucc.)