Cypress-pine (Callitris rhomboidea, A.Richard (ed.), Comm. Bot. Conif. Cycad.: 47 (1826))

Family: Cupressaceae

Author: R.Br. ex Rich.

Bibliography: A.Richard (ed.), Comm. Bot. Conif. Cycad.: 47 (1826)

Year: 1826

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Callitris

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Queensland to SE. Australia

Description

The Cypress-pine, scientifically named Callitris rhomboidea, is a captivating conifer that holds a venerable place within its family, Cupressaceae. First described by the botanist Robert Brown and later detailed by Achille Richard in the 1826 publication, “Comm. Bot. Conif. Cycad.: 47,” this species has garnered attention for its unique characteristics and essential ecological roles.

Callitris rhomboidea is a native species prevalent from southeastern Queensland to southeastern Australia. It thrives in these regions’ varied climates, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. This evergreen tree often features a distinctive pyramidal shape, adorned with fine, needle-like foliage that provides year-round greenery, an attribute highly valued in horticulture and landscaping.

One of the key features of Callitris rhomboidea is its rugged, fibrous bark, which peels off in thin strips, revealing a rich, reddish-brown inner layer. This bark not only adds to the tree’s aesthetic appeal but also serves a functional role in its survival. The bark acts as a protective barrier against environmental stresses, including fire, which is a frequent occurrence in its native habitat.

The Cypress-pine produces small, spherical cones, which carry seeds vital for the propagation of the species. These cones are characteristically woody and can often remain closed for extended periods, opening mainly in response to environmental triggers such as fire, which facilitate seed release and subsequent germination. This fire-adaptive trait secures the species’ continuity in areas frequently affected by bushfires.

Ecologically, Callitris rhomboidea contributes significantly to its environment. It provides habitat and food for various wildlife, including birds and insects, fostering biodiversity. The dense foliage and robust wood are crucial in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion, particularly in the slopes and coastal regions where the tree is commonly found.

In landscaping and forestry, the Cypress-pine is valued for its aesthetic appeal and practical uses. The wood, known for its durability and resistance to pests and decay, is often used in construction, fencing, and crafting furniture. Moreover, its ability to grow in nutrient-poor soils makes it a suitable candidate for reforestation projects aimed at restoring degraded land.

In conclusion, Callitris rhomboidea, or the Cypress-pine, exemplifies the beauty and resilience of Australia’s native flora. Its ecological contributions, coupled with its utilitarian value, underscore the importance of preserving and understanding this remarkable species. Through continuous study and conservation efforts, we can ensure that this tree, with its deep-rooted history and enduring presence, continues to thrive in its native landscape.

Common Names

Eng: cypress-pine, illawarra mountain pine, illawarra mountain-pine, oyster bay pine, oyster bay cypress-pine, oyster bay-pine, port jackson pine, port jackson cypress-pine, port jackson-pine, dune cypress-pine, illawara mountain pine
En: Cypress-pine, Illawarra Mountain Pine, Illawarra mountain-pine, Oyster Bay Pine, Oyster Bay cypress-pine, Oyster Bay-pine, Port Jackson Pine, Port Jackson cypress-pine, Port Jackson-pine, Dune cypress-pine, Illawara Mountain Pine

Synonyms

• Callitris articulata (Gordon)
• Frenela variabilis (Carrière)
• Frenela rhomboidea ((R.Br. ex Rich.) Endl.)
• Cyparissia australis ((Pers.) Hoffmanns.)
• Callitris ventenatii (R.Br. ex Mirb.)
• Frenela australis ((Pers.) Mirb. ex Endl.)
• Thuja inaequalis (Desf.)
• Frenela rhomboidea var. mucronata (Benth.)
• Callitris cupressiformis var. pendula ((Parl.) Maiden)
• Callitris cupressiformis var. tasmanica (Maiden)
• Cupressus australis (Pers.)
• Frenela rhomboidea var. pendula (Parl.)
• Callitris cupressiformis (Vent.)
• Callitris tasmanica ((Benth.) R.T.Baker & H.G.Sm.)
• Frenela rhomboidea var. tasmanica (Benth.)
• Callitris cupressiformis var. mucronata (Maiden)
• Callitris fothergillii (Loudon)
• Frenela triquetra (Spach)
• Callitris australis ((Pers.) Sweet)
• Thuja australis (Bosc ex Poir.)
• Callitris rhomboidea var. tasmanica ((Benth.) Ewart, B.Rees & B.Wood)

Distribution

• New South Wales (native)
• Queensland (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Tasmania (native)
• Victoria (native)
• New Zealand North (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Oct 3, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 19, 2021 by Wayne Karlen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 20, 2021 by Wayne Karlen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 19, 2021 by Wayne Karlen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Nov 18, 2021 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 18, 2021 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 18, 2021 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2684320)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:134233-3)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Callitris rhomboidea R.Br. ex Rich. & A.Rich.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth