Overview: 

The Penis Taxus, or Vietnam Yew (Taxus wallichiana), is a slow-growing conifer native to the forests of Vietnam and Southeast Asia. In its native ecosystem, the species depends on natural herbivores to browse on its seedlings and young shoots, helping to control its growth. Without these animals, such as large herbivores, the Vietnam Yew can grow unchecked, forming dense thickets that dominate the understory. This unchecked growth can outcompete other plant species for light, water, and nutrients, leading to a reduction in plant biodiversity. The overgrowth of Taxus wallichiana could alter forest structure and dynamics, potentially disrupting local ecosystems by displacing native vegetation and impacting species that rely on a more diverse plant community for food and shelter (Duan et al., 2017; Liu et al., 2020).

References

Duan, H., Li, Z., & Zhang, W. (2017). Ecological roles and conservation status of the Vietnam Yew (Taxus wallichiana) in Southeast Asia. Environmental Conservation, 44(1), 39-47. https://doi.org/10.1017/S037689291600037X

Liu, S., Wang, X., & Zhang, L. (2020). The impact of overgrowth of coniferous species on forest biodiversity in tropical Asia. Forest Ecology and Management, 452, 117-126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2019.117626

Kokomis's history with Taxus:

According to the Kokomis Log Books, Taxus has been referenced over the years by many family members. Here are the log entries:

1970

Dave Sr.- Major problem- Pinus Tatix or Sargon Spruce. More control needed to prevent cabins from bring pushed into lake!

1971

Dave Sr.- Re-engaged was on Pinus Taxis alias vietnam Spruce. Battle line on east point holding well except one place, but new wave moving along crest of island in attempt to take over west shore.

1978

Dave Sr.- Chip and DK spent a day pulling and cutting back Penis Taxus (Vietnam Yew) completing a circumference of it: Battle Line map image in log book. All concerned should walk the battle line to befome familiar with the species and to nefel any cheerfrs that try to cross the path. Future years we should eliminate more of this scorge so pines can grow.

1980

Giff (?)- Went to work on Taxis and we whan unsuah about flora & Fauna.

1986

Chess- More combat against the wild Yew (Taxus Caradis..) Which is slowly overtaking the island! Battle line re-defined (see previous years battle accounts...) and in rones made into the existing jungle. Most successful technique seems to be pulling up buches by their long (12-15ft) twisted roots though it is tough on the hands. A herbicide (Trade name of: Tordon RTU. Extreme caution should be used when applying. Uncle Chess's Triov- Note that it contains sodium arsonate. It is completely unselective and will kill just about anything.) brought by Chip was applied to some friendly UT branched to prevent spouting those were labled with blue ribbon to follow progress.

1987

Jen- Continued attack on the dreaded taxus.

1988

Chess or DK-More work on the Taxus line- Front pushed back considerably and new front established! Much regained territory. Headway is made! We are gaining on it year by year! 12 white pines plasted in reclaimed area. Hope they make it as Auf is an actual to plant trees and there is to plant them in duff and rock. No soil. (Map drawn in log of new line)

1989

Dave Sr.- Chip attached taxus and planted trees in taxus area

1990

Jen- Ricks dad lent his chipper to use for the week. Chip and Rick made HUGE progress on the taxus line-

Chip- Pulled, cut and piled more taxus.

1991

Jen- Rick purchased a very high powered chipper to further aid in the war on the dreaded Taxus...The new trees which Chip planted seem to be progressing nicely. Chip and Rick feel they are now at the point where they can pull and feed right into the chipper?! Hopefully the war on Taxus will end in victory in the not too-distant future.

1993

Chip- Pulled more Taxus

Jen- Chipped Taxus

1994

AnneMarie- Spent an afternoon on the taxis line (for the soul) but spent most time doing more.... creative, artistic, and visual vegitation control

1998

Chip- Taxus line seems to be holding well and revigating naturally

2003

Chip- Established a controlled experiment on the back of the island....Painted some Taxus white in an attempt to trick beaver into telling and eating it. Birch and aspen are their #1 preferred species. Also wrapped some taxus in birch bark... If we can condition or train our beavers to use our taxus, our taxus problem will be solved and prayers will be answered!!

2005

Chip- Discovered blueberries in the liberated taxus area!!That pulling, chopping and chipping paid off!!

2014

Jen- Cut new trail up to high point on the north end of the island. 3 days of battling taxis resulted in a raspberry patch/struggling-but-soon-to-be-thriving birch and aspen.....hiked up Devils Mt. and brought back a tiny oak sapling (planted by shower) and spruce sappling.

Photo evidence of change: 

Through the documentation of arial photos of Kokomis taken by drone, changes in the islands vegitation density can be observed.