Mexican yew facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mexican yew |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Taxus
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| Species: |
globosa
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The Mexican yew (Taxus globosa) is a special kind of evergreen shrub. It is one of eight different types of yew plants found around the world.
This plant is quite rare. You can only find the Mexican yew in a few places. These include parts of eastern Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. Because it is so rare, the Mexican yew is listed as an endangered species. This means it needs protection to survive.
The Mexican yew usually grows to about 4.6 meters (about 15 feet) tall. It has long, sharp, light green needles. These needles grow neatly in rows on both sides of its branches.
What is the Mexican Yew Used For?
Scientists are interested in the Mexican yew because it can produce a substance called Paclitaxel. This substance is very important in medicine. It is used as an anti-tumor agent, which means it helps fight certain types of cancer.
Even though Paclitaxel is valuable, the Mexican yew has not been studied as much as other yew species. This is because it naturally produces less of this substance. However, some researchers are working hard to learn more about this unique plant. For example, a team led by Barradas at the Veracruz Institute of Technology is focused on studying Taxus globosa.
See also
In Spanish: Taxus globosa para niños
