Classification
Class
Pinopsida
Order
Pinales Gorozh.
Family
Taxaceae Gray
Genus
Taxus L.
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Taxus baccata L., Sp. Pl. 1040 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
English yew; Yew
 Description

Small tree to c. 10 m high (larger in cultivation). Bark peeling in thin scaly strips, dark reddish brown. Trunk often short with main branches arising near the ground and tending to form a dense crown. Shoots green, ribbed. Lvs with short yellowish green petiole, radial on erect shoots, ± 2-ranked on horizontal shoots. Lamina 1.2–2.5 cm × 1.5–2 mm, sometimes smaller in first lvs of season, dark green, ± shining above, with 2 broad pale green stomatal bands beneath, revolute; midrib raised on both sides; apex acute or mucronate. Fr. (with aril) 10–15 × 8–11 mm, oblong, crimson; flesh viscid. Seed 5.5–7 mm long, ovoid-ellipsoid, angled, greenish brown.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Bibliography
Connor, H.E. 1977: The Poisonous Plants in New Zealand. Edition 2. Government Printer, Wellington.
Connor, H.E.; Fountain, J. 2009: Plants that Poison: A New Zealand Guide. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln.
Edwards, R. 2008: Lincoln University campus – a guide to some of the trees currently growing there. Lincoln University, Lincoln.
Farjon, A 2001: World Checklist and Bibliography of Conifers. Edition 2. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond.
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Stewart, J. 1971: Plants in New Zealand Poisonous to Man. New Zealand Department of Health, Wellington.