Callitris gracilis
Species of plant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Callitris gracilis, commonly known as slender cypress-pine is a conifer in the family Cupressaceae, native to southern Australia.
| Callitris gracilis | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Gymnospermae |
| Division: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Cupressales |
| Family: | Cupressaceae |
| Genus: | Callitris |
| Species: | C. gracilis |
| Binomial name | |
| Callitris gracilis R.Baker | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Callitris gracilis subsp. murrayensis (J.Garden) K.D.Hill | |
Description
It is a broad conical tree growing up to 20 m high.[2] The leaves are reduced to tiny scales, which clasp the flexible green stems.[3] It is monoecious, with the tiny male and female cones occurring on the same tree. The male cones are capable of shedding huge clouds of pollen in winter.[3] The mature woody globe-shaped cone is 2.5-4 cm in diameter, with six thick valvate scales that open at maturity to release papery-winged seeds.[4] The cones may persist on the tree for many years, and each one can hold up to 30 seeds.[5]
Taxonomy
Callitris gracilis was formerly included in Callitris preissii, but that name is now restricted to plants from the Perth area.[2]
Distribution and habitat
Callitris gracilis can be found in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.[5]
Ecology
Uses
Indigenous people from some areas use the foliage to make infusions for the relief of coughs and colds, and to make smoke medicine.[5]
The tree was highly prized by European settlers for its straight trunk and termite-resistant wood.[3]
In cultivation they make attractive feature trees for large gardens or parks.[6] Seed should be stratified before sowing in late winter.[5] Once established, it becomes a long-lived and hardy evergreen tree.[3]