Torreya

NaturalGREENS, HERBS & FOUGERESfresh · green · woody

HeartPyramid

3/5Strength

—Tenacity

2Origins

Specimen

Torreya nucifera

Definition

Pungent, coniferous, and citrus-tinged. Torreya nucifera (Japanese nutmeg yew) has a sharp, resinous foliage and aromatic seeds with a yuzu-lemon quality.

WOODY GREEN EARTHY WARM FRESH NUTTY

JAPANESE NUTMEG-YEW TORREYA NUCIFERA

Type: Ingredient
Olfactive family: Aromatic
Subfamily: Green notes
Cluster: Green leafy notes
Source: leaves, seeds, and wood
Chemical class: complex natural (essential oil)

Instruments

Pyramid

TTop

HHeart

BBase

3/5Strength

Medium

odour strength

Producing countries

China Japan

Scent

Pungent, resinous, and citrus-tinged. Like crushing a torreya needle between your fingers -- the oil releases a sharp, coniferous sting, but underneath there is an unexpected citrus brightness, like yuzu peel mixed with pine resin. Unusual and specifically Japanese.

In PREMIEREPEAU

DISCOVERY SET7 × 2 ml →EXTRAIT DE PARFUMThe seven extraits →

The Full Story

Torreya (Torreya nucifera, Japanese torreya or kaya) is a slow-growing conifer native to southern Japan and South Korea. The tree is known for hard, lustrous wood (used for Go and Shogi boards) and its aromatic seeds.

The leaves, when crushed, release a sharp, pungent, resinous aroma. The seeds and fruit pulp contain essential oils with a citrusy, yuzu-like character alongside woody, coniferous notes. The overall profile is unusual: a conifer that smells partly of citrus.

In perfumery, torreya is a niche, Japanese-origin material with a coniferous-citrus hybrid. The note is rarely used and mostly appears in Japanese-inspired or artisanal compositions.

The note functions in the top-to-heart range.

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Related: Acronychia Pedunculata · Adoxal · Agave · Algae · Aloe Vera · Aromatic Notes · Asparagus · Avocado

Did You Know?

Kaya (Torreya nucifera) wood Go boards are considered the finest in the world. A single thick kaya board can cost over $10,000. The wood's color deepens to golden amber over decades of play, and its faint, pleasant aroma is released each time stones are placed -- providing a subtle sensory dimension to the game.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method

Essential oil from fruit pulp and seeds by steam distillation. Very limited production. Primarily a Japanese artisanal material.

Formula: N/A — complex seed oil (key fatty acids: oleic, linoleic, sciadonic)
CAS: N/A — no widely traded commercial essential oil
Botanical: Torreya nucifera
Appearance: Pale yellow to amber liquid
Odour strength: Medium
Synonyms: JAPANESE NUTMEG-YEW TORREYA NUCIFERA

IFRA status

See note

No IFRA Standard for the material itself (51st Amendment)

Physical properties

Note: Seed contains fatty oil

In Perfumery

Top-to-heart note in Japanese-inspired, coniferous-citrus, and niche compositions. Functions as a unique conifer with citrus qualities. Niche material; limited availability.

Role in the formula

01modifier

02signature note

03lifting agent

04blender

05volume builder

06freshness

Available as

essential oil