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Japanese Plum Yew

The Japanese plum yew is a deer-resistant small tree belonging to the plum-yew family. Its scientific name is in honor of the Earl of Harrington, who was the first plant this tree in a Europe.

This unique tree has long been valued not only for its ornamental qualities, but also for its medicinal properties. The plant has even shown potential in traditional medicine as an aid in treating certain diseases, including leukemia.

Japanese Plum Yew

The plant’s medicinal applications come from compounds found in its bark, needles, and stems, which have been studied for their ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. One of the compounds of interest is cephalotaxine, which has shown cytotoxic effects, meaning it can potentially kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Studies have suggested that cephalotaxine and related compounds may have promising applications in the treatment of leukemia and other types of cancer. However, it’s important to note that while these compounds have demonstrated potential in laboratory settings, further research and clinical studies are needed to fully understand their efficacy and safety.

  • Omacetaxine mepesuccinate: is another alkaloid compound derived from the leaves, and is being developed as a drug for the treatment of hematological cancers, including leukemia.
  • Anti-leukemia properties: Studies have shown that Omacetaxine mepesuccinate has benefits in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. Patients with solid tumors did not show any benefit so far.

In traditional Chinese medicine, plants in the Cephalotaxus genus have been used as a remedy to improve overall health and vitality, and their extracts have been explored as a supplementary treatment alongside more conventional therapies. Although the medicinal use of the Japanese Plum Yew is still under investigation, it remains an area of interest for botanists and pharmacologists alike.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Anyone interested in exploring these potential health benefits should consult with a healthcare professional before considering the use of plant-based remedies, especially for serious conditions like leukemia.

Scientific Classification

KingdomPlantae
DivisionPinophyta
ClassPinopsida
OrderPinales
FamilyCephalotaxaceae
GenusCephalotaxus
Scientific NameCephalotaxus harringtonii

Images of Japanese Plum Yew

Japanese Plum Yew Dwarf

Prostrate Japanese Plum Yew

Japanese Plum Yew Duke Gardens

Quick Information

Other NamesKorean plum yew, cowtail pine, Harrington’s cephalotaxus, Assam plum yew, plum fruit yew, spreading plum yew
TypeEvergreen shrub
Identification

Size: 5-10 ft (1.5-3 m) tall and 5-14 ft (1.5-4.3 m) wide

Trunk Diameter: 4 ft (1.2 m)

Needles (Leaves): Linear, 2 in (5 cm) long, 0.12 in (0.30 cm) wide, leathery, dark-green above and lighter green below, arranged on either side of the shoot

Bark: Grey-colored

Flowers: Males are pale cream-colored, becoming brown as they age, globular-shaped; females are spherical, can be found at the base of shoots

Cones: Smooth, pale green with darker green stripes, ovoid-shaped, 1 inch long, 0.6 inch wide

DistributionThey are native to Japan and Korea
HabitatWoodlands of deciduous forests at heights of 1,970-3,280 ft (600-1,000 m)
Hardiness Zones6-9
Growth RateSlow
Lifespan50-150 years
Growing Conditions

Summer: Part shade during hot summers, full sun during cooler ones

Winter: First year of winter should be in cover

Water: Moderate

Light Requirement: Full sun to full shade

Soil: Sand, loam, clay

Diseases & PestsNone
Reproduction SystemDioecious
PropagationBy cuttings and seeds
Seedling DevelopmentGermination may take more than a year and half
Cutivars
  • Fastigiata (Upright)
  • Prostrata
  • Nana
  • Hedgehog
  • Drupacea
  • Fritz Huber
  • Korean Gold
  • Gold splash
  • Spreading
UsesOrnamental; a substance known as omacetaxine, extracted from the leaves is used in treatment of leukemia
IUCN Conservation StatusLeast Concern

Picture of Japanese Plum Yew

Spreading Japanese Plum Yew

Upright Japanese Plum Yew

Japanese Plum Yew Bonsai

Interesting Facts

  • Oil derived from the fruits of the Japanese plum yew is edible, as are the seeds.
  • This plant is sometimes confused with the similar sounding Japanese yew.

References:

  1. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c769
  2. https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/cephalotaxus-harringtonia
  3. https://landscapeplants.aub.edu.lb/Plants/GetPDF/91b93daa-46d8-4654-a25c-ab490dcf7b10
  4. http://rslandscapedesign.blogspot.com/2010/03/cephalotaxus-plum-yew.html
  5. https://www.thespruce.com/japanese-plum-yew-growing-profile-3269170
  6. https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Cephalotaxus+harringtonia
  7. https://www.monrovia.com/spreading-japanese-plum-yew.html

Published on June 5th 2018 by Sudipto Chakrabarti under Yew.
Article was last reviewed on 5th December 2024.

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