Taxus wallichiana (Rakhal)
Taxus wallichiana – Rakhal (Click to enlarge)
| Local name | Rakhal, The Himalayan Yew |
| Botanical name | Taxus wallichiana |
| Family | Taxaceae |
| Description | It is a medium sized tree found between 2100-3200m. Bark thin, dark reddish-gray; branches horizontal, wide spread. |
| Flowers & Fruits | June – October |
| Distribution | The Himalayan Yew is a species of yew, native to the Himalaya from Afghanistan east to western Yunnan in south western China, at altitudes from 2,000–3,500 m. It is common as undergrowth in Abies forest, makes pure patches in all the valleys of GHNP |
| Uses | The leaves contain an alkaloid known as Taxol that is now supposed to cure the dreaded disease cancer. The fleshy fruits of Taxus wallichiana are eaten by wild animals, black bears and common langurs and even eaten by human beings. The white crystalline alkaloid (Taxine powder) is obtained from the seeds, it is poisonous in nature. Local people use the bark as an alternative to tea. The wood is used for cabinet making, furniture, poles and others decorative statues. |