Torreya grandis

Torreya grandis (Chinese: 香榧(pinyin=Xiāngfěi) is a species of conifer in either the family Taxaceae, or Cephalotaxaceae. T. grandis is a large tree that can attain height of 25 metres (82 ft), and possibly as high as 39 metres (128 ft). T. grandis is endemic to eastern and south-eastern China; it is found in the coastal provinces Fujian, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu, as well as in Anhui, Guizhou, Hunan, and Jiangxi inland. Its natural habitat are mountains and open valleys, often by streams, between 200–1,400 metres (660–4,590 ft) ASL. One common name is Chinese nutmeg yew (although it is not related to nutmeg, nor the true yews belonging to the genus Taxus), which refers to its edible seeds that superficially resemble nutmeg (Chinese: 榧榧) and its yew-like foliage. The seeds can be pressed for oil. The wood is used in construction and furniture, as well as in the production of high-quality go boards. T. grandis is used as an ornamental tree in Europe and North America. Although known and utilized by the Chinese for centuries, the first European to discover Torreya grandis was Robert Fortune, who was hiking in the mountains of northeast Zhejiang in search of seeds, particularly those of 'golden pine-tree' (Larix kaempferi). Encountering first two young cultivated trees, he managed to get guided to a valley with mature trees and purchased the seeds. The seeds brought to England could be grown successfully there. Torreya grandis cv. Merrillii is a cultivar with a history going back to Tang Dynasty. It is believed to originate from the mountains of NE Zhejiang.