Taxus cuspidata var. cuspidata

Taxus cuspidata var. cuspidata, commonly known as the Japanese Yew, is a significant evergreen conifer valued in traditional medicine. While containing potent alkaloids like taxines, which require careful handling, it has historical importance in pharmacology. This resilient species is studied for its complex chemical profile and unique therapeutic potential.

  • Scientific name: Taxus cuspidata var. cuspidata
  • Family: Taxaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Pinidae and order Pinales, falling into the family Taxaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Taxus under the specific variety cuspidata var. cuspidata.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Pinidae WCVP
Order Pinales WCVP
Family Taxaceae WCVP
Genus Taxus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Taxus cuspidata var. cuspidata, is known by various names depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly referred to as the Japanese yew, while in Japanese, it is known as ichii. In Chinese, it is called ya tai.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several specific regions of East Asia and Eastern Europe. In Eastern Europe, its presence is noted within the Baltic States. Moving toward the Russian Far East, it can be found inhabiting the Kuril Islands, Sakhalin, and the Primorye region. Additionally, the species extends its range into the Manchuria region of China. Together, these locations define the natural habitat and territorial spread of this particular variety.

Region Area Source
Eastern Europe Baltic States WCVP
Russian Far East Kuril Is. WCVP
Russian Far East Primorye WCVP
Russian Far East Sakhalin WCVP
China Manchuria WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. New York WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. Vermont WCVP