Torreya jackii aka Jack Torreya

Torreya jackii is a slow-growing evergreen tree from southeastern China. It belongs to Taxaceae, the yew family. Its native range includes northern Fujian, northeastern Jiangxi, and southern Zhejiang. It grows in woods at 1,312–3,281 feet [400–1,000 metres] above sea level. PFAF describes it as rare in the wild and vulnerable. The tree reaches about 33 feet [10 metres] in height.

Its leaves stay on the tree throughout the year. Their strongly twisted arrangement helps distinguish this species from similar trees. It resembles Cephalotaxus fortunei, but its seed-bearing structures lack stalks. Bruised or burned leaves give off a scent like sandalwood oil. The wood also has a strong scent. People use it for farm tools, utensils, and craft work. The leaves also serve as incense.

The tree flowers from April to May. Male and female flowers grow on separate trees. Wind carries pollen between them. Both sexes must grow nearby to produce seed. A lone tree cannot fertilise itself. Seeds need two summers to mature, ripening from October to November. PFAF lists the seed as edible and records an edible seed oil. Its suggestion that seeds suit raw or cooked use remains tentative. The source reports no known hazards, but gives no detailed safety guidance. It records no medicinal uses.

Choose a sheltered site with protection from wind. The tree needs high humidity or moist soil beside water. Hot, very humid summers help it grow well. It accepts ordinary garden soil, including sand, loam, and clay. It also tolerates some lime and mildly acid to mildly alkaline soil. PFAF reports growth in sun, partial shade, and deep woodland shade. Its landscape notes favour woodland edges and dappled shade over deep shade. This makes it an option for a sheltered woodland garden. PFAF lists USDA zones 7–10 for hardiness.

Seed propagation can take patience. Sow fresh seed in a cold frame once ripe. Some may sprout the next spring; others need another year. Stored seed needs cold treatment and may take 18 months or more. Grow seedlings in light shade under glass for their first two winters. Plant them out in early summer once at least 0.7 feet [0.2 metres] tall. PFAF also lists layering and late-summer cuttings of partly mature shoots. It notes that cuttings grow poorly. These slow early stages add to the work of raising young plants.