Japanese nutmeg-yew - Torreya

The Japanese nutmeg-yew (Torreya nucifera) is a member to the yew family (Taxaceae). It owes its name to its nutmeg-like, edible fruits. Like the native yew, the Japanese nutmeg-yew is extremely tolerant of pruning and shade. New growth even sprouts from old wood after being severely cut back. Valued for its excellent wood properties, intensive logging has resulted in the nutmeg-yew, which can reach heights of 25 metres, becoming rare in its natural habitat in Japan, where it is now a protected species.