Family: Taxaceae
Species: Taxus baccata L.
Common name: Yew, Tree of Death - English: Common Yew Deutsch: Europäische Eibe
Etymology
The genus name derives from the Greek toxon, meaning “bow”. In ancient times, bows and arrows were made from yew wood due to its elasticity and resistance. The specific epithet baccata refers to the berry-like fruits.
Description
Taxus baccata is an evergreen, dioecious tree (male and female flowers are borne on separate individuals) that reaches 15–25 m in height. It is very long-lived, with some specimens surviving up to about 2000 years. Growth is initially rapid but then becomes very slow. The tree has a rounded crown, dark foliage, and an erect trunk with branches emerging from the base. The bark is smooth and thin and typically peels off in reddish plaques.
The persistent, needle-like leaves are arranged in two spiral rows along the sides of the twigs. The lamina is linear and flattened, with a mucronate but not sharp apex. It is dark green in colour and shiny on the upper side, while the lower side is lighter, with a very pronounced central vein on both surfaces.
The flowers are borne in the axils of the leaves on separate plants. The male flowers are grouped in yellow, globose filaments, while the female flowers are solitary or paired, bud-shaped, and green, arranged at the apex of a twig. Pollination occurs by wind.
Like a berry (aril), the fruit consists of a characteristic fleshy cup that is initially green and then becomes bright red when ripe, partially covering the single woody seed.
Habitat
This species is native to Eurasia (in the broad sense) and also reappears in North Africa.
Properties and Uses
The yew's leaves and seeds are poisonous, as they contain the toxic alkaloid taxine. The only non-toxic, edible part of the plant is the fleshy aril, which has a sweetish taste and is much appreciated by birds that help disseminate the species; however, its seed is poisonous.
The wood is exceptionally elastic, tenacious, hard, and heavy, making it highly valued for lathe work and cabinet making. In the Middle Ages, it was used to make bows.
It is also grown for ornamental purposes in parks and gardens because it tolerates pollution and pruning well, making it suitable for topiary art in Italian gardens.
Notes and Curiosities
The toxicity of the yew was well known in ancient times; hence, it is called the "tree of death" and has long evoked gloomy images. For example, Ovid recounts how the road leading to the Underworld is lined with yew branches. The Druids considered it a sacred tree and many objects of worship were made from the wood.
These plants thrive on calcareous soils and are easily observed in the Heller Botanical Garden. Some specimens can be admired in the upper part of the park, just before entering the bonsai area of the Japanese garden.