Buddhist Pine

Buddhist Pine, also known as Yew Plum Pine, is a conifer native to southern Japan and southern China, where it grows as an understory or forest edge tree in warm temperate and subtropical forests. It is a slow growing evergreen with long, narrow, dark green leaves quite unlike the needles of true pines, and it produces small, fleshy, purplish seed coverings that are edible and attract birds. The species is widely cultivated as an ornamental hedge, screen and bonsai subject in warm climates around the world, valued for its dense foliage and tolerance of pruning. In parts of East Asia it holds cultural and religious significance and is traditionally planted near temples, which contributes to its common English name.