Chinese plum - Cephalotaxus fortunei

Cephalotaxus fortunei, commonly known as the Chinese plum yew or Fortune's plum yew, is a species of evergreen coniferous tree that belongs to the family Cephalotaxaceae. It is native to China, where it grows in forests and on mountain slopes.

The tree typically reaches a height of 6-10 meters, with a spread of 2-4 meters. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, with a needle-like shape that can be up to 5 cm long. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring, followed by bright red, fleshy fruits that resemble plums.

Cephalotaxus fortunei is a slow-growing tree that prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks, and is often used as a hedge or screen due to its dense foliage. The tree is also used in traditional Chinese medicine, where the bark and leaves are used to treat a variety of ailments.

Despite its name, Cephalotaxus fortunei is not closely related to the true yews (Taxus spp.), which belong to the family Taxaceae. However, like yews, it produces a toxic alkaloid called cephalotaxine, which can be dangerous if ingested.