Callitris gracilis
| 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
| |
Callitris gracilis, commonly known as native pine or slender cypress pine is a conifer in the family Cupressaceae, native to southern Australia.
Description
[edit | edit source]It is a broad conical tree growing up to 20 m high.[1] The leaves are reduced to tiny structures, which clasp the flexible green stems.[2] The tiny male and female flower structures occur on the same tree, with the male flowers capable of shedding huge clouds of pollen in winter.[2] The fruit is a woody globe-shaped cone, 2.5-4 cm in diameter, with six thick segments that open at maturity to release papery-winged seeds.[3] The cones may persist on the tree for many years, and each one can hold up to 30 seeds.[4]
Taxonomy
[edit | edit source]Callitris gracilis was formerly included in Callitris preissii, but that name is now restricted to plants from the Perth area.[1]
Distribution and habitat
[edit | edit source]Callitris gracilis can be found in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.[4]
Ecology
[edit | edit source]Several species of parrot eat the maturing fruits.[2]
Uses
[edit | edit source]Indigenous people from some areas use the foliage to make infusions for the relief of coughs and colds, and to make smoke medicine.[4]
The tree was highly prized by European settlers for its straight trunk and termite-resistant wood.[2]
In cultivation they make attractive feature trees for large gardens or parks.[5] Seed should be stratified before sowing in late winter.[4] Once established, it becomes a long-lived and hardy evergreen tree.[2]
References
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