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What is the difference between Torreya grandis and Cephalotaxus sinensis? A quick guide to telling them apart

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Leaf differences: Torreya grandis leaves are linear, arranged in two rows, with a protruding pointed tip; Cephalotaxus sinensis leaves are also linear, arranged in two rows, with a nearly rounded base and a prominent midrib. Flower differences: the male cones of Torreya grandis are cylindrical; the male cones of Cephalotaxus sinensis are ovoid and arranged in head-like clusters. Fruit differences: the fruit of Torreya grandis is elliptical and turns pale purplish-brown when ripe; the fruit of Cephalotaxus sinensis is ovoid or nearly spherical.

I. Leaf differences

The leaves of Torreya grandis are linear, arranged in two rows, usually straight, about 1.1 to 1.2 cm long and about 2.5 to 3.5 cm wide, with a protruding pointed tip. The upper surface is bright green, and the lower surface is pale green.

The leaves of Cephalotaxus sinensis are linear, arranged in two rows; the leaves are usually very straight, though some are slightly curved, about 2 to 5 cm long and about 3 mm wide, with a nearly rounded base, almost no petiole, a slightly protruding pointed or gradually tapering tip, and a prominent midrib.

II. Flower differences

The male cones of Torreya grandis are cylindrical, about 8 mm long.

The male cones of Cephalotaxus sinensis are ovoid, usually 6 to 7 clustered into a head-like inflorescence, about 6 mm in diameter.

III. Fruit differences

The fruit of Torreya grandis is elliptical, ovoid, obovoid or oblong-elliptical, 2 to 4.5 cm long and about 1.5 to 2.5 cm in diameter; when ripe, the aril is pale purplish-brown, covered with a white bloom, and slightly protruding at the tip.

The fruit of Cephalotaxus sinensis usually grows 2 to 5 together on the axis, is ovoid, elliptic-ovoid or nearly spherical, 1.8 to 2.5 cm long, with a small pointed tip at the apex.

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