Torreya

views updated

Torreya (family Taxaceae) A genus of conifers which differs from Taxus in its ovules, which develop into plum-like, hard seeds with a green, purple-striped aril, and its stiff, spine-tipped leaves. T. californica (nutmeg tree) is cultivated as an ornamental. There are 5 species, occurring in the USA, China, and Japan.

More From encyclopedia.com