austrotaxus

noun

Meaning

A rare, primitive coniferous tree native to New Caledonia, notable for being the only member of the yew family located south of the equator.

Examples

  • Botanists travel to New Caledonia specifically to study the unique evolutionary history of the Austrotaxus.
  • Unlike its northern cousins, the Austrotaxus has adapted to the tropical mountain climate of its island home.

Synonyms: yew, conifer, gymnosperm, evergreen