Assessing the global distribution and conservation status of the Taxus genus: An overview

Taxus, commonly known as Yew, is a non-resinous evergreen tree renowned for its anti-cancer properties, attributed to the plant alkaloid Paclitaxel. This study draws upon secondary data sourced from reputable books, journals, and authenticated websites pertaining to the taxonomy of this significant...

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Main Authors: Ankita Thakur, Khilendra Singh Kanwal
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024-03-01
Series:Trees, Forests and People
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666719324000098
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author Ankita Thakur
Khilendra Singh Kanwal
author_facet Ankita Thakur
Khilendra Singh Kanwal
author_sort Ankita Thakur
collection DOAJ
description Taxus, commonly known as Yew, is a non-resinous evergreen tree renowned for its anti-cancer properties, attributed to the plant alkaloid Paclitaxel. This study draws upon secondary data sourced from reputable books, journals, and authenticated websites pertaining to the taxonomy of this significant flora. Taxus thrives in moist, humid, shady environments with slightly acidic soil, often flourishing beneath the canopies of species such as Abies, Fagus, Picea, and Quercus spp. The primary objective of this investigation was to evaluate the global status of the Taxus genus. Its distribution spans the northern hemisphere, with various regional common names associated with Taxus species. Through a comprehensive review, our findings reveal a total of 12 natural species and 2 hybrid species globally, including T. media Rehder and T. hunnewelliana Rehder. Notably, four Taxus species—T. chinensis Rehd., T. contorta Griff., T. globosa Schlect., and T. wallichiana Zucc—are endangered, while T. brevifolia Nuttall is categorized as near threatened according to the IUCN Red List. The updated Taxus genus database presented in this study serves as a valuable resource for diverse stakeholders, encompassing researchers, academicians, forest managers, herbal industry professionals, and policymakers. This information will help in formulating effective conservation strategies and sustainable utilization plans for this important genus.
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spelling doaj.art-b767b67b42564c30b5ba470d9dd1e1232024-03-01T05:07:33ZengElsevierTrees, Forests and People2666-71932024-03-0115100501Assessing the global distribution and conservation status of the Taxus genus: An overviewAnkita Thakur0Khilendra Singh Kanwal1G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), Himachal Regional Centre, Mohal, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 175126, IndiaCorresponding author.; G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand 263 643, IndiaTaxus, commonly known as Yew, is a non-resinous evergreen tree renowned for its anti-cancer properties, attributed to the plant alkaloid Paclitaxel. This study draws upon secondary data sourced from reputable books, journals, and authenticated websites pertaining to the taxonomy of this significant flora. Taxus thrives in moist, humid, shady environments with slightly acidic soil, often flourishing beneath the canopies of species such as Abies, Fagus, Picea, and Quercus spp. The primary objective of this investigation was to evaluate the global status of the Taxus genus. Its distribution spans the northern hemisphere, with various regional common names associated with Taxus species. Through a comprehensive review, our findings reveal a total of 12 natural species and 2 hybrid species globally, including T. media Rehder and T. hunnewelliana Rehder. Notably, four Taxus species—T. chinensis Rehd., T. contorta Griff., T. globosa Schlect., and T. wallichiana Zucc—are endangered, while T. brevifolia Nuttall is categorized as near threatened according to the IUCN Red List. The updated Taxus genus database presented in this study serves as a valuable resource for diverse stakeholders, encompassing researchers, academicians, forest managers, herbal industry professionals, and policymakers. This information will help in formulating effective conservation strategies and sustainable utilization plans for this important genus.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666719324000098TaxusYewTaxolConservationSustainable utilization
spellingShingle Ankita Thakur
Khilendra Singh Kanwal
Assessing the global distribution and conservation status of the Taxus genus: An overview
Trees, Forests and People
Taxus
Yew
Taxol
Conservation
Sustainable utilization
title Assessing the global distribution and conservation status of the Taxus genus: An overview
title_full Assessing the global distribution and conservation status of the Taxus genus: An overview
title_fullStr Assessing the global distribution and conservation status of the Taxus genus: An overview
title_full_unstemmed Assessing the global distribution and conservation status of the Taxus genus: An overview
title_short Assessing the global distribution and conservation status of the Taxus genus: An overview
title_sort assessing the global distribution and conservation status of the taxus genus an overview
topic Taxus
Yew
Taxol
Conservation
Sustainable utilization
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666719324000098
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