The common rateknown scientifically as Taxusis an evergreen ornamental plant that has an interesting and controversial history, it is known to contain highly toxic substances, in particular taxins, present in all parts of the plant, with the exception of the pulp of its red aril. Taxins can cause poisoning if ingested, which is why it is called “The tree of death”. On the other hand, there are several studies that have demonstrated the anti-tumor properties of this plant
Origins and characteristics
The name derives from the Greek toxon, which means “bow”, and has the same root as the adjective toxicon, poisonous. The yew, scientifically known as Taxus baccata, is a fascinating evergreen plant belonging to the conifer family, characterized by extraordinary longevity.
This tree is suitable for creating compact hedges or can be grown as a single tree, adding a touch of elegance to gardens, flowerbeds or entrances. Its adaptability is manifested above all in the many forms it can take, making it one of the most used plants in topiary art. This practice of shaping and pruning plants to obtain artistic forms translates into a sort of living sculpture.
Despite its controversial history, in which it was nicknamed the “tree of death” due to its high content of taxin, an extremely toxic substance, the yew has also been shown to possess beneficial properties. In the past, its wood was used to create poisons capable of inducing sudden death through cardiac or respiratory paralysis.
Since the 1990s, the perception of yew has undergone a significant transformation, an extract derived from this plant has been successfully used in chemotherapy to treat some types of tumors. This duality in its use throughout history adds a layer of fascination and complexity to its history, giving the yew a role of relevance in both the ornamental and therapeutic spheres.
Paclitaxel, also known as taxol, has become a key component in international protocols for the chemotherapy of specific forms of breast and ovarian cancer.
The wood of Taxus baccata it is known for its notable elasticity and is considered valuable, suitable for cabinet-making and carving work. Its versatility makes it a popular material in the craft sector, adding a further level of value to this fascinating evergreen plant.
How to recognize the rate
The Taxus baccatawith its wrinkled trunk and needle-like leaves, similar to those of the white fir but not prickly thanks to their softness, is a moderately sized tree, rarely reaching heights exceeding 15 meters and sometimes appearing in the form of a shrub. The trunk branches at low altitudes, with reddish-brown bark, in harmony with the more robust branches, while the foliage, expanded and slightly oval in shape, is characterized by a dark green.
This evergreen, in addition to its indisputable ornamental value, produces fruits in the form of small red and fleshy berries, containing dark-colored seeds. Birds, appreciating such fruits, play a significant role in spreading the seed along their migratory routes.
The recognition of the yew can be facilitated by its fruits, which, however, are not always present as they represent the only edible part of the plant and are frequently consumed by birds.
How many varieties of Yew exist
Taxus baccata is the basic species, it stands out for its expanded and very branched shape, with red-brownish bark that is very scaly. Its needle-like leaves are dark green at the top and take on yellowish tones at the bottom.
Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’ is a female variety, is characterized by thick vegetation in which the branches are completely surrounded by leaves. Its foliage has a columnar shape and an upright posture, giving it a distinctive appearance.
Taxus brevifolianative to the Pacific coast of the United States, has flat, dark green, lanceolate leaves. The bark, generally brown, flakes in various shades, from brown to almost purple red.
The Taxus cuspidatawith dark green needle-like leaves, flat and arranged in a linear spiral fashion, is widely used in the art of bonsai, adding an artistic dimension to its botanical profile.
How to grow Yew?
Taxus is a versatile conifer that adapts to a wide range of soils, showing a predilection for well-drained ones, including calcareous ones. This plant deserves greater consideration and use, especially as a key element in hedges, since the beauty of such a formation is among the best resulting from the use of evergreens.
Where to place the Badger
The yew adapts to both sunny and shady exposures, thriving particularly in the latter if drainage is efficient, and also lends itself well to pot cultivation.
In nurseries, it is possible to find fastigiate varieties, characterized by a tapered shape with branches adhering to the main stem. These varieties are ideal for creating a focal point in flowerbeds, becoming the equivalent of an exclamation point in the garden scene.
How often to water the Yew
If your area experiences a lack of rainfall, it is advisable to provide adequate watering of the plants every two weeks during the spring and autumn. During the summer, when temperatures are higher, it becomes necessary to increase the frequency of watering. However, in winter, when plant growth slows and water needs decrease, it is best to water in moderation. Adapting your watering regime to specific seasonal needs will help maintain the health and vitality of your plants throughout the year.
When to fertilize the Yew
To maintain the vitality of the plant, it is advisable to fertilize at least twice a year, preferably in autumn and spring, using pelleted manure or mature compost. This practice will help ensure healthy and vigorous growth of the Taxus throughout the seasons.
How and when to prune the Yew
Unlike many other plants, Taxus baccata shows remarkable tolerance to frequent pruning throughout the year without suffering significant damage.
Generally speaking, it is recommended to prune hedges in the first half of June, after the spring growth phase, and subsequently in September. This practice is aimed at preventing the formation of unsightly branches protruding during the winter.
Pruning should focus on cutting the main branches to stimulate vigorous, healthy growth. However, it is important to avoid affecting the top of the plant, as this could further slow growth. Maintaining this balance in pruning will help promote a harmonious structure and maintain the vitality of the taxus throughout the seasons.
The yew stands out as a tree capable of constant regeneration, a peculiarity that makes it potentially immortal. This characteristic helps to connect the yew to the concept of death, understood not only as an end, but as a process of transformation, a passage through dark realms or even a form of eternal life.
Which parts of the Yew are poisonous?
The active ingredient that gives toxicity to the branches, leaves and seeds of the yew is taxin, an alkaloid with narcotic and paralyzing effects on humans and various animals, including domestic ones. The mature leaves also have a high taxin content, making them equally poisonous.
Taxin, composed of a mixture of cardioactive alkaloids, exerts a powerful and dangerous action on the heart, potentially causing sudden death due to cardiac or respiratory paralysis. Its toxicity manifests itself through symptoms such as tremors, breathing difficulties, weakness and heart problems.
The toxicity of this plant, as previously mentioned, causes a series of symptoms: at the level of the gastrointestinal system, severe colicky pain and diarrhea occur. In the circulatory system, peripheral vasodilation is observed which can lead to hypothermia and reduced heart rate. Vasodynamic alterations in the respiratory system also occur, leading to reduced pulmonary blood flow and subsequent dyspnea.
How it is used in medicine
Badger’s potential in medicine is not limited to the use of paclitaxel in chemotherapy. Recent research is exploring new applications of its chemical components, particularly in the fight against autoimmune diseases and as a basis for developing new drugs. The ability to isolate bioactive substances from such a toxic plant has paved the way for innovative technologies for the synthetic production of yew-derived compounds, reducing the environmental impact of their use.
When does the yew flower?
The yew, with its show of flowering, appears between the months of February and May, giving its beauty in spring. Its fruiting phase, however, begins at the end of summer and continues until autumn, spanning the months of August and October.
Curiosity
The yew is linked to an ancient find known as the “Clacton spear”, found in the locality of the same name in North-East London, dating back 400,000 years ago. Its relevance in the production of weapons, such as spears and bows, is attested by Shakespeare, who in his Richard II describes it as “doubly deadly”, thus underlining its significant use in the war context of that era.
In many beliefs, the yew is considered the guardian of the deceased, a figure that is often found in burial places. This tree is also recognized as a powerful channel of energy, capable of teaching us to confront the darkest parts of our existence and to accept the change that arises from it.
The badger, with its extraordinary ability to survive, becomes a symbol that guides us through life’s challenges, a teacher that encourages us to face the darkness within. In this context, it can represent both the most fearsome monster in our nightmares and the strongest ally against them. This duality emphasizes the symbolic power of the yew in interpreting and accepting the complex facets of life and death.
The role of the badger in mythology and culture
The yew has occupied a prominent place in the mythology and popular beliefs of several cultures. In Europe, it was often associated with death and immortality, which is why many ancient churches and cemeteries feature specimens of Taxus baccata in their gardens. The ancient Celts considered the yew a symbol of rebirth and transformation, thanks to its ability to regenerate. In Greek and Roman tradition, the yew was linked to mythological figures who embodied death and the afterlife, accentuating its ambiguous character between danger and protection.
A plant at risk?
Despite the spread of the yew in many regions of the world, some varieties are now at risk due to habitat loss, climate change and overexploitation for medical and ornamental purposes. In particular, the Taxus brevifolianative to the Pacific coast of the United States, has suffered a dramatic decline due to intensive harvesting in the 1990s for the extraction of taxol, a key active ingredient in chemotherapy. Global demand for this drug has put strong pressure on natural populations, leading to a significant reduction in wild specimens.
To mitigate the impact of these practices, programs have been introduced controlled cultivation and scientific research has focused on chemical synthesis of taxol. These approaches not only reduce the need to harvest wild trees, but also offer a more stable and sustainable supply of this valuable compound. Furthermore, targeted reforestation initiatives and the creation of protected areas are contributing to the conservation of threatened yew varieties, ensuring that these plants can continue to fulfill their ecological and medical roles.
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