eibe

The Eibe, or European yew (Taxus baccata), is an evergreen conifer in the family Taxaceae. It is native to most of Europe, with parts of western Asia and northern Africa, and is noted for longevity, slow growth, and distinctive needle-like leaves.

The tree has dark green, linear leaves about 2–3 cm long, arranged spirally on the shoots but appearing in two flat ranks. It produces small, fleshy seeds surrounded by a bright red aril. Yews tolerate a range of soils and conditions, and are commonly grown as ornamentals in parks, gardens, hedges, and topiary. They typically reach 5–20 m tall, with some individuals approaching 30 m.

Toxicity is a central feature of the genus. All parts of the Eibe contain toxic alkaloids (taxines). Ingestion of leaves or seeds can be fatal to humans and animals, while the red aril around the seed is less toxic and is often eaten by birds, aiding seed dispersal.

Uses and cultural significance include ornamental landscaping and historical value for strong, elastic wood used in longbows. Handling toxic plant material should be done with care, and planting decisions should consider household safety.

Chemistry and medicine note that taxanes, including paclitaxel (Taxol), are a class of anti-cancer agents found in yews. Paclitaxel was first isolated from the Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia); production has since evolved to reduce impact on wild yew populations.

Conservation status: Taxus baccata is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though some local populations face threats from habitat loss and overharvesting.