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Taxaceae If you see a shrub or tree with conifer-like branches and red or green berry-like fruits, then it is certainly a member of the Yew family. In Taxus, the seed cones are highly modified, each cone containing a single seed partly surrounded by a modified scale which develops into a soft, bright red berry-like structure called an aril. The fruits are eaten by thrushes, waxwings and other birds, which disperse undamaged seeds in their droppings. Worldwide, there are 6 genera and 20 species. Three genera, including Torreya, can be considered a subfamily, or segregated as Cephalotaxaceae. Please e-mail Thomas J. Elpel to report mistakes or to inquire about purchasing high resolution photos of these plants.
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