Click here to open feedback window. Annex 2. Profiles of Tree Species: Asia 283 Cephalotaxus oliveri Olive Plum Yew Distribution This species is found in Guixhou, Hubei, Sichuan, Yannan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Jiangxi,  Vietnam and eastern India. Habitat This species is found in low altitude (300-1500m) subtropical closed forests. It is mainly found in evergreen broad-leaved forests or in evergreen and deciduous broad- leaved mixed forests in valleys and by streams. Population Status and Trends Populations of C. oliveri have been rapidly decreasing. This species is scattered in forests throughout its range (China Plant Red Data Book, 1992). Regeneration This is a shade tolerant species which has moderately slow growth. Seeds germinate after ripening for one year in the broad-leaf litter; once the seeds have germinated the seedlings require shade. (China Plant Red Data Book, 1992) Role of Species in its Ecosystem No information. Threats This species is threatened by over-exploitation and habitat loss (China Plant Red Data Book, 1992). The dioecious nature of C. oliveri means that this species is further threatened by infrequent regeneration (China Plant Red Data Book, 1992). Utilisation Used for timber. C. oliveri contains the alkaloids cephalotaxine and harringtonine which can be extracted from the leaves, shoots and seeds which have medicinal value for treating leukaemia and lymphoma (China Plant Red Data Book, 1992), however, no widespread exploitation has yet taken place (SSC Conifer Specialist Group, 1996). Trade It is not known whether international trade in products from this species currently take place. Conservation Status IUCN Category and Criteria: VU (A1d) (SSC Conifer Specialist Group, 1996). Conservation Measures This species is found in several nature reserves (Emei Mountain in Sichuan, Shuanghuang Mountains and Zhangjiajie in Hunan (China Plant Red Data Book, 1992). Note: C. oliveri is a relict species which is markedly different to other members of the same genus (China Plant Red Data Book, 1992). References Li-Kuo, F. and Jian-Ming, J., 1992. China Plant Red Data Book - Rare and endangered plants. Vol. 1. Science Press:Beijing. pp. 741. SSC Conifer Specialist Group, 1996. Discussions held by the SSC Conifer Specialist Group as part of the WCMC/SSC Conservation and Sustainable Management of Trees Project. March, 1996.