May I ask what kind of plant this is?
Flower name: yew
English name: Chinese yew
Scientific name: Taxus mairei
Alternate names: yew, yew
Family and genus: Taxaceae, Taxus genus
Taxus is a shallow-rooted plant with an inconspicuous main root and well-developed lateral roots. It is a rare and endangered natural resistant plant recognized in the world. Cancer plant is an ancient tree species left over from the Quaternary glaciers and has a history of 2.5 million years on the earth. Due to the slow growth rate and poor regeneration ability of yew under natural conditions, there has not been a large-scale yew raw material forest base around the world for a long time. China has classified it as a first-class rare and endangered plant, and the United Nations has also banned logging.
Origin of the name
Origin of the name: Plants such as yew have become a popular star in the plant world in recent years. Because it can extract paclitaxel, it is an internationally recognized anti-cancer and anti-cancer agent, and it is also a national first-class protected tree species. The red beans of the yew tree are like the acacia beans of the South. They are red on the outside and bright on the inside, which can express people's lovesickness. The yew is also named because it grows fruits that are the same as red beans, hence the name yew.
Morphological characteristics
Taxus yew is an evergreen tree. The branchlets turn yellow-green or light reddish brown in autumn. The leaves are strip-shaped, dioecious, and the seeds are oblate. The seeds are used to extract oil and can also be used as medicine. Yew is a shallow-rooted plant with an inconspicuous main root and well-developed lateral roots. It is 30m high and has a trunk diameter of 1m. The leaves are spiral and alternate, the base is twisted into two rows, the strips are slightly curved, 1-2.5cm long, 2-2.5mm wide, the leaf margin is slightly recurved, the leaf tip is tapered, and there are 2 wide yellow-green or gray-green stripes on the back of the leaf. Stomatal zone, densely densely populated with tiny protrusions on the midrib, very narrow green belt on the leaf margin, dioecious, male cones are solitary in the leaf axils, and the ovules of female cones are solitary at the top of the short lateral axes on the upper part of the flower axis, and there are Disc-shaped aril. Seeds are flat and oval, with 2 ribs, oval in shape, aril cup-shaped, red.
The biological characteristics of yew have high requirements on the ecological environment. Generally, it takes 100∽250 years for an adult tree to grow. Statistics in 1996 show that wild yew trees in Yunnan account for 55% of the total number in the country, of which 1.1 million trees survive in Lijiang. Yew is a perennial evergreen tree with a huge biomass and a short growth time. Its main root is not obvious, its lateral roots are developed, its branches and leaves are lush, its germination ability is strong, and it is cold-tolerant and can withstand low temperatures of -25°C. It can be grown in most areas of the country. It grows quickly, with annual growth measured at 40-50cm, and up to 60-70cm, which is 300-700% of the growth of domestic yews (Chinese yew, Yunnan yew, etc.). The biomass accumulation of 3-4 years old is 600-800/plant·year, and the fresh raw material produced at 5 years of age is more than 1.5kg, which can be used to extract paclitaxel. New branches and leaves can sprout in the following year, and their biomass is greater than the amount harvested in the first year.
The growth conditions of wild yew are almost harsh, the growing area is narrow, and it has strict requirements on climatic conditions. Why can there be such a lush growth community in the Ruyuan Mountains? According to Mo Yibin, a local expert who has studied and protected this tree species for many years, the unique geographical environment, humid climate, good ecological environment, and the vigorous protection of the local people are all indispensable. Daqiao Town is an alpine limestone mountainous area with an average altitude of more than 800 meters. The temperature difference between day and night reaches 7°C. The annual average temperature is only 17°C. The climate is relatively humid in spring and summer, which is very suitable for the growth of yew.
Yew is suitable for planting in both north and south. It is shade-loving, drought-tolerant, and cold-resistant. It requires a soil pH value of 5.5 to 7.0. It can be interplanted with other tree species or orchards and is easy to manage. Among them, Northeast red beans Cedar is an ancient tree species left behind by the Quaternary glaciers. Under harsh climatic conditions, its tenacious vitality has allowed it to live on the earth for more than 2.5 million years. It not only has well-developed lateral roots, luxuriant branches and leaves, and strong germination ability, but also adapts to a wide range of climates and soil requirements. It is also resistant to pruning, cold, and pests and diseases. Moreover, it can grow into tall trees, and some single trees can even grow for thousands of years. They can be used as medicinal varieties and greening varieties. Northeast yew is known as the "Feng Shui Divine Tree" in folklore. known as.
The growing conditions are almost harsh, and the moisture helps the birds to sow seeds
The growing conditions of wild yew are almost harsh, the growing area is narrow, and it has strict requirements on climatic conditions. Why can it grow in the Ruyuan Mountains? With such a lush growing community? According to Mo Yibin, a local expert who has studied and protected this tree species for many years, the unique geographical environment, humid climate, good ecological environment, and the vigorous protection of the local people are all indispensable. Daqiao Town is an alpine limestone mountainous area with an average altitude of more than 800 meters. The temperature difference between day and night reaches 7°C. The average temperature throughout the year is only 17°C. The climate is relatively humid in spring and summer, which is very suitable for the growth of yew. A large number of birds live here. The yew fruit has a hard shell, making it difficult for artificial seedlings to survive. Only after the fruit is eaten by birds, the shell is corroded by the birds' gastric juices, and the seeds are excreted with the feces, allowing them to take root in the soil and germinate. The brightly colored yew fruits often attract a large number of birds to eat them, and birds become the best sowers.
Artificial seedlings are being cultivated locally
The protection of yew has received great international attention, but strong market demand still puts long-term and lasting pressure on the survival of endangered yew. It is reported that while the Yew Forest Park in Southern China will do its best to protect wild resources, it will also vigorously cultivate artificial seedlings. The local government will now cooperate with relevant scientific research institutions such as Fudan University on the introduction, propagation and cultivation of seedlings. At present, a seedling base of more than 70 acres has been initially established, and nearly 20,000 yew seedlings have been artificially cultivated, and the number will exceed 100,000 within 3 years. According to the person in charge, the base will adopt artificial cultivation measures to vigorously develop yew resources in the initial stage. After expanding the planting area, the artificially developed yew resources will be used to extract paclitaxel and occupy the international paclitaxel market.
Warm reminder: Do not eat yew at will. During the interview, the reporter found that some people in Daqiao Town would take some yew branches and leaves and boil them in water to drink in an attempt to cure the disease. Experts warn that this approach is wrong. The current medical use of yew is mainly reflected in extracting paclitaxel from the bark, roots, branches and leaves to make anti-cancer drugs. Taking yew directly has no obvious medical effect. In 2002, the Ministry of Health banned the use of yew as health food and food raw material. Once a person accidentally eats yew, symptoms such as dizziness, dilated pupils, nausea, vomiting, and muscle weakness may occur. In severe cases, it may even lead to death.
Geographical distribution
Except for Australia's Austrotaxus Spicata, which is produced in the southern hemisphere, the other yews are produced in the northern hemisphere. There are 4 species and 1 variety of yew in my country, which are distributed in most areas of my country. Northeastern yew is mainly distributed in the Changbai Mountains and Heilongjiang areas of Jilin Province, and a small amount is also distributed in the mountainous areas of eastern Liaoning. Yunnan yew is mainly distributed in 16 counties in western Yunnan and Prefecture, with a total area of about 90,000 square kilometers. It is characterized by wide distribution, scattered growth, no pure forest, and mostly scattered trees in the forest. Southern yew is mainly distributed in pure forests in eastern Yunnan, southwestern Yunnan, and eastern Yunnan, and is mostly a scattered tree in the forest. There are a large number of yews distributed in Guanchumiao Village, Yangmingshan, Shuangpai County, Yongzhou City, Hunan Province.
It is cultivated in Sichuan, Guangxi, Shandong and other places, and is also distributed in western Jiangxi (Yichun, Tonggu area). Tibetan yew is mainly distributed in northwest Yunnan, southern and southeastern Tibet. Yew trees in Yunnan mainly grow and distribute in mountainous areas with an altitude of 2,600 to 3,500 meters, such as Lijiang, Diqing, Nujiang and Dali. They are distributed in strips and are very rare in number.
In Daqiao Town, Ruyuan County, a small town with only more than 300 square kilometers, there are actually more than 100,000 yew trees taking root here! This is the place where wild yew grows most densely in China. Recently, the first phase of China's first large-scale wild yew theme conservation park, the South China Yew Forest Park, is about to be completed.
According to a preliminary survey by the Daqiao Town Government, there are more than 100,000 yew trees growing in various villages in the town, of which 127 have a diameter at breast height of more than 50 cm, and more than 70,000 have a diameter at breast height of less than 5 cm. .
This number is only based on the yew trees found in front of and behind the houses in this town. According to forestry experts’ estimates, in remote mountain forests with more complete ecosystems and inaccessible people, the number of wild yews will far exceed that of people. imagination. The "sacred tree" grows in the back mountain: the "Yew King" is more than 2,000 years old. According to preliminary surveys and statistics from the relevant departments of the Ruyuan County government, in the villages of Luziqiu, Xiacha, Xiazhuang, Zhangjia and other villages in Daqiao Town, a limestone alpine mountainous area in the county There are more than 100,000 yew trees growing around it, and the little-known "Yew King" growing in the back hill of Zhangjiacun is more than 5 meters in diameter. It is estimated that its growth age is more than 2,000 years old. , some experts believe that this is the oldest yew growing in South China! The "Yew King", called the "Sacred Tree" by the villagers, stands between two hills with a big red cloth tied around its waist. It takes five adults to wrap its trunk around it. Its straight and huge body is eight or nine times tall. The height of the storey echoes the dense growth of smaller yew trees behind it. Daqiao Town is the area where yew trees grow most densely in Ruyuan County. More than 90% of the yew trees discovered so far are concentrated in the alpine limestone mountains of the county. Cars are speeding on country roads, and simple and dignified yew trees can be seen everywhere in front of and behind houses and at the foot of mountains and rivers. A local government employee who accompanied him said that the locals affectionately called him "Mr. Beautiful Shan". All mature yews have "ID cards". In 1999, yew was listed as a national first-level protected plant. In 2004, the 13th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora listed all yews in China under the Convention. appendix. In order to protect the yew and the "panda" in the tree, the Ruyuan County Government has stipulated that no unit or individual is allowed to develop and utilize yew resources in any form without the approval of the forestry department at or above the county level, and is not allowed to illegally cut, Digging and removing tree roots, peeling bark, collecting seeds, branches and leaves; registering yew trees, recording and monitoring their growth; implementing a mountain patrol system and a reporting system to implement the accountability system. The secretary of the town committee and the mayor are the first persons responsible for protecting yew trees. The local forestry and tourism departments will also put a "badge" on each mature yew tree. In addition to indicating the "age" and value of the tree, it will also indicate the legal liability for illegal cutting and destruction of this precious tree species. responsibility.
Forestry experts discovered that the 500-year-old yew tree has a diameter of 1.9 meters and is the largest in the country
An acacia tree has been "acacia" for 500 years
The largest acacia tree in the country was discovered in Sandu Tree - yew
Recently, forestry experts discovered a yew tree that was at least 500 years old in a picturesque Shui village in Wubu Township, Sandu Shui Autonomous County.
This yew tree is about 30 meters high and full of vitality.
It is understood that forestry experts from Sandu County have made an identification. This is a pure southern yew, an evergreen coniferous tree species, a national first-level protected rare plant, known as a "plant." Giant Panda".
According to relevant data, the largest yew tree found in China is 1.7 meters in diameter, while the yew tree in Sandu has a diameter of 1.9 meters, and it takes four people to hug the tree. Based on its growth rings, forestry experts infer that the tree is at least 500 years old and should be the yew with the largest diameter and longest growth rings found in China so far, making it the king of yews.
Yew bonsai maintenance knowledge
1. "Newly purchased bonsai maintenance" It is best to spray 800 times 1000 times of yew bonsai on the leaves every three or four days. Potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution is usually applied before ten o'clock in the morning or around four o'clock in the afternoon. After three to four consecutive sprays, it is gradually reduced to once a month or so.
2. "Light requirements" Yew is a shade-loving plant and is suitable to be placed indoors. However, it should be noted that it must be properly shaded in summer and should not be placed in a room with western sunlight.
3. "Soil Selection" The soil for planting yew should be loose, humus-rich, fertile, and slightly acidic (PH=5~6.5).
4. "Moisture requirements" The surface of the pot soil appears slightly yellowish white, and the leaves are slightly curled. There is no need to water the pot soil, just spray the leaves. When the soil in the pot turns white, the pot soil should be watered.
Pay attention to watering it thoroughly at once so that the pot soil can fully absorb enough water.
5. "Soil Fertility" The three elements of plant growth are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Nitrogen fertilizer can promote the growth of flowers and leaves; phosphorus fertilizer can promote the formation of flowers and fruits; potash fertilizer can promote the growth of stems and roots. Since the newly purchased yew bonsai has been filled with prepared nutrient soil, there is no need to fertilize within 3 months. After that, fertilization can be done every 2 to 3 months. Cake fertilizer is the best fertilizer. When fertilizing, pay attention to the edges of the pot. While working, avoid touching the roots of the bonsai.
"Flower Pot Selection" The flower pot should be chosen to be appropriately larger, and a few more holes need to be drilled at the bottom of the pot, mainly to enhance the water permeability and air permeability of the flower pot.
6. "Requirements for transplanting and repotting" Half a year after the purchase of the bonsai, the saplings will gradually grow up and have developed root systems. In order to ensure their normal growth, it is recommended that the user transplant and repot the bonsai. It is best to smash the old pot when repotting. , do not damage the original soil ball, slowly move it into a new pot, and water the roots to ensure survival.
7. "Bonsai trimming" If the dry yellow leaves in the lower part of the bonsai are seriously falling off, it may be that the lower branches are too dense, and you need to prune off a few branches of the lower branches that are too dense. It can be trimmed into various shapes such as umbrella shape, tower shape, round shape, etc. For the newly purchased yew bonsai of No. 3 or above, part of the root system will be damaged when transplanted from the planting base to the flower pot, which will cause an imbalance in the nutrient supply between the roots and branches and leaves. When the pot soil is kept moist, , when the leaves are still curled and dry, it is best to properly prune the bonsai branches and leaves to reduce excessive consumption of nutrients by the branches and leaves and restore the growth of the root system.
8. "Disease and Pest Control" During high temperature and drought seasons, individual yew saplings will develop leaf blight and red blight, which can be controlled by spraying 1 Bordeaux mixture.
9. Because the climate in the north is dry and rainless, watering can be done when the soil surface is dry. Pay attention to watering it thoroughly at once, especially in summer. The air in the north is dry, and the leaf surface is prone to drooping due to lack of water. When the leaf surface is not plump, you need to use a small watering can to spray water on the leaf surface from bottom to top (you can spray it every day in summer). Yew is a shade-loving plant and is suitable to be placed indoors, but it should not be placed at the air outlet of an air conditioner or next to a heater. Otherwise, the evaporation of water in the leaves of the yew will increase, which will easily cause the yew branches and leaves to quickly dehydrate, causing the leaves to Curly, dry.
10. Yew bonsai should not be watered with tea water. In particular, the water in Beijing is hard and contains high alkali content, so the water must be kept for a day before being used for irrigation and spraying.