Taxus cuspidata, commonly known as the yew tree, is an endangered species and a nationally first-class protected plant. It has gained recognition as "plant gold" due to its remarkable anti-cancer properties and ornamental value. Since the commercial use of wild yew was banned in December 2002, cultivating Taxus cuspidata has become the only sustainable path for the paclitaxel industry. This practice not only supports the industry but also helps protect wild populations, offering promising future prospects.
Based on nine years of experience, I have written this article for reference. Please note that some errors may exist, and I welcome any guidance from colleagues and experts.
1. **Growth Habits**
Taxus cuspidata is known for its cold resistance, preference for shade, moisture, and nutrient-rich soil. It can tolerate drought, flooding, and high temperatures to some extent. The plant can survive in very low temperatures, even -42°C during dormancy, without freezing damage. It remains evergreen, even under heavy snow cover.
In summer, when temperatures exceed 30°C, growth slows down and eventually stops. The tree grows slowly—after 14 years, it typically reaches about 2 meters in height, with a trunk diameter of around 0.2 cm. Under optimal conditions, two-year-old cuttings can grow over 1 meter tall within five years.
Taxus cuspidata is a dioecious plant, featuring red leaves in winter and green leaves in summer. It remains evergreen throughout the year. In northern regions, such as beyond the Great Wall, two-year-old cuttings or seedlings can begin flowering and fruiting after four years. The blooming period usually occurs between early April and late April, with fruits ripening from mid-August to early September.
2. **Cultivation Techniques**
2.1 **Site Selection and Land Preparation**: Choose loamy soil near water sources, with flat terrain, good drainage, and fertility. Prepare the planting area by deep plowing and leveling, creating beds that are 133 cm wide.
2.2 **Planting Density**: The density varies depending on the purpose. For bonsai production, plants should be closely spaced at 33 cm x 50 cm, with approximately 4,000 plants per acre. For afforestation and medicinal forest purposes, a sparser layout is recommended, with 2,000 plants per acre, spaced at 50 cm x 66.7 cm. After five years, thinning is done, reducing the density to 1,000 plants per acre with spacing of 50 cm x 133 cm. For large-scale engineering seedlings, one plant can be removed at a time.
2.3 **Transplanting Seedlings**: Use two-year-old cuttings for transplanting. Ensure the roots are moist, carefully remove excess soil, and maintain root integrity to improve survival rates. When transplanting into pots, fill the roots with water before planting.
3. **Tending and Management**
3.1 **Weeding**: Perform weeding and cultivation 3–4 times annually.
3.2 **Fertilization**: Apply urea in May at 10 kg per mu (approximately 667 square meters), followed by watering. In autumn, it's best to apply organic fertilizer like sheep manure, once every 2–3 years at a rate of 1.5 tons per mu.
3.3 **Watering**: Water during dry periods in spring and autumn. Remember: Overwatering is a common cause of failure in potted yew. “Sweat water pouring†means more frequent watering, but excessive water is harmful.
3.4 **Shading**: Use 70% shading nets or intercrop with fruit trees. Plant yew in the north of fruit trees, while orienting fruit trees east-west. You can also intercrop with food and medicinal crops, such as planting corn in rows and yew in 2–3 rows. Use tall corn varieties like Agricultural University 3138, planted densely from east to west. In residential areas, minimal shading is needed when growing in small quantities.
3.5 **Pruning and Shaping**: Yew branches are soft and easy to shape. They do not rebound after pruning, making them ideal for bonsai. Proper trimming allows for various artistic forms.
After nine years of cultivating Taxus cuspidata, no diseases or pests were observed, indicating its resilience and ease of care.
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