Torreya Taxifolia (Noun)
Meaning
Rare small evergreen of northern Florida; its glossy green leaves have an unpleasant fetid smell when crushed.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- Torreya taxifolia is one of the most endangered conifers in the world due to overcollection and fungal disease.
- This small evergreen also known as the Florida nutmeg tree or torreya taxifolia native habitat is limited to several counties in northern Florida.
- Torreya taxifolia leaves arranged oppositely in flat sprays that are sometimes reminiscent of Arborvitae but bear no similarity when bruised or crushed releasing their distinctive odor.
- Several small areas within Florida state parks protect this plant's limited native habitat but much work is still required to safeguard the long term future of the torreya taxifolia.
- This northern Florida rare conifer tree or torreya taxifolia may provide seeds for animals such as wild turkey and squirrels if they can access it and tolerate the bitter taste and fetid smell on the leaves when they crush them.