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Taxus sumatrana
Taxus sumatrana, or the Sumatran yew, is a large evergreen shrub and one of the eight species of yew. Its taxonomic namesake is indicative of the species being found in Indonesia (specifically, the island of Sumatra); however, T. sumatrana is also found in a number of South and Southeast Asian countries, including parts of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indochina, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Tibet.[2]: 351 Given this broad geographical range, it is also known as the Taiwan yew, the Chinese yew, as well as the East Himalayan yew.[3] Plants of the World Online recognizes T. sumatrana as a synonym of Taxus wallichiana.[4] T. sumatrana is typically found at elevations ranging from 400 to 3,100 m[5] and mainly in subtropical forests or on highland ridges. It is a government-protected species in Taroko National Park in Taiwan. AppearanceTaxus sumatrana is a wide-trunked, bushy shrub that will eventually develop into a tree, attaining an average height of 14 m (approx. 45 feet). Its leaves are around 1.2–2.7 cm long and 2–2.5 mm wide (around 1”x1”), growing in two ranks along the branches and abruptly spiraling into an apex at the tip.[5] The foliage a pale yellow-green colour on the topside, with light green underneath. Its bark is grey-red which exfoliates in irregular, 1.5 mm (half an inch) thick flakes, which leave yellowish scars on the trunk almost immediately upon cutting.[5] The Chinese yew has fleshy seeds that ripen into a red colour 6 mm long by 5 mm wide with flesh 4 mm thick.[2]: 350–351 UsesThe wood is suitable as timber, but it grows very slow to be financially viable.[2]: 351 On the Indian Subcontinent, the oil of T. sumatrana is traditionally used to mark a red tilaka on the foreheads of Brahmins. Chinese yews are also used for the crafting of clogs, whip handles, bed frames and bows (archery). References
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