Xiaorong Torreya

Xiaorong Torreya

　　Torreya is a plant of the genus Torreya in the family Taxaceae and is a rare and precious dried fruit unique to China. The Torreya tree is highly versatile, serving purposes such as fruit production, oil extraction, medicinal use, landscaping, and ornamental value. Rich in protein, fat, sugar, and various vitamins essential to the human body, Torreya is not only extremely nutritious but also has high medicinal and health value. According to *Compendium of Materia Medica*, Torreya can “treat five types of hemorrhoids, expel three kinds of parasitic toxins, and cure malignant hemorrhoids,” “treat roundworms, reduce bloating, strengthen tendons and bones, regulate circulation, improve vision, lighten the body, and increase appetite,” as well as “cure coughing and white discharge, and enhance male vitality.” Regular consumption significantly aids in clearing the lungs, moistening the intestines, reducing phlegm, relieving coughs, expelling parasites, and alleviating hemorrhoids. It takes three years for Torreya to flower and bear fruit, and three generations of fruit can be seen on the same tree—hence the saying “a thousand-year-old Torreya tree bears fruit across three generations.” Torreya has strict requirements for soil, climate, and geographic conditions, thriving best in high mountains, misty environments, and cool, humid areas, making large-scale cultivation difficult. As a result, Torreya has been in short supply and its price has continued to rise in recent years. There are many varieties of Torreya in China, mainly including Fine Torreya, Long Torreya, Sesame Torreya, Rice Torreya, Eggplant Torreya, Egg Torreya, Large Round Torreya, Round Torreya, and Small Round Torreya. Quality varies greatly depending on the origin, leading to significant differences in market prices. Among them, Zhuji Torreya from Zhejiang Province is considered the best in quality and yield, long renowned for its thin shells, plump kernels, crisp texture, fragrant taste, and rich aroma. Surveys show that in 2008, the market price of Zhuji Torreya had already exceeded 160 yuan per jin.

　　 The Xiaorong area of Rongxi Village enjoys a warm and humid climate with abundant rainfall, short sunlight hours, and large diurnal temperature variations. The parent rock is phyllite, resulting in acidic soil that is mostly yellow-red loam. Surrounded by mountains with overlapping peaks and shrouded in mist year-round, Xiaorong boasts an outstanding ecological environment. The unique natural surroundings and favorable soil-climate conditions have fostered a long history of Torreya cultivation in Xiaorong Village. The area is rich in Torreya resources, with century-old trees commonly found. Currently, the Torreya cultivation area exceeds 5,000 mu, making it a famous Torreya village in Huangshan City.