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California nutmeg

Scientific Name: Torreya californica

Family: Taxaceae

Category: Gymnosperm

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Torreya californica: California Nutmeg

Torreya californica, commonly known as California nutmeg, is a coniferous tree species endemic to California. Other common names include California torreya, stinking yew, stinking nutmeg, and stinking cedar. The name "California nutmeg" comes from the resemblance of its fruit to the spice nutmeg.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is also known as "stinking yew".
  • The leaves of the California nutmeg are sharply pointed.
  • The tree has drupelike seeds surrounded by a green, purple-streaked substance.

Considerations for Children

  • The leaves of the California nutmeg are sharply pointed.
  • The tree has drupelike seeds surrounded by a green, purple-streaked substance.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Torreya californica Torr.
  • Family: Taxaceae (Yew family)
  • Synonyms: Torreya myristica, Tumion californicum
  • SCS PLANT CODE: TOCA

Distribution and Habitat

California nutmeg is endemic to California, mainly found in the Coast Ranges and the Cascade-Sierra Nevada foothills. It's also found in the Pacific Coast region.

Morphological Characteristics

  • An evergreen tree typically growing to 15-25 m tall, with a trunk diameter of 0.5-1 m (exceptionally 2 m).
  • Has a conical crown.
  • Leaves are persistent, linear-lanceolate, and flat, resembling redwood needles but sharply pointed.
  • It has plum-like fruit, resembling a large olive.

Growth Habits

  • It grows at a slow rate.
  • It is hardy to zone (UK) 7.
  • It is in leaf from January 12th.
  • It flowers in May.

Ecological Role

It is often found as an understory tree. It can grow on dry sites alongside plants like poison oak, California bay (laurel), madrone, Douglas fir, and coast live oak.

Quirky Facts

  • It is called "stinking" nutmeg, yew, and cedar, due to a distinct odor it emits.
  • The seeds have a deeply folded seed coat.