Family: Cupressaceae
Common Name: Cypress-pine

Callitris is very similar to the true cypresses (Cupressus) of the northern hemisphere. Like the true cypresses, their cones are almost round and bear many seeds. Their foliage is also very similar, differing only in density and the arrangement of the minute scale leaves. The cones of some of the species do not automatically open when the seed matures. Instead, the seeds are retained, often becoming larger and woodier with age. These old cones are found in dense clusters close to the main trunk and open and release their seeds only when the tree finally dies or is damaged or killed by fire. However, species such as C. columellaris shed their seeds each year. Fourteen species of this genus of conifers are found growing in the wild almost everywhere in Australia. Cypress-pines make good ornamentals and are useful as screens or windbreaks, though only a few species have been widely cultivated. The columnar species are particularly suitable where a plant with a narrow base is needed. If a less formal effect is required, Callitris may be a better choice than Cupressus as the foliage of this cypress-pine is usually greener and less dense. Growth is reasonably fast. However, bear in mind that these are quite tender plants and in frost-prone areas should be grown in a cool conservatory.

Species

C. columellaris comes in three forms: white cypress-pine, Bribie Island or coast cypress-pine, and tropical cypress-pine. All three have very fine foliage. The cones are smallish and rounded on the outside, with fairly thin scales. They release their seed each year.

C. endlicheri, black cypress-pine, a native of temperate regions of eastern Australia, generally grows into a narrow, pyramid-shaped tree, 10-20 m (33-65 ft) tall, with sharply pointed crown and dark green, fairly coarse foliage. It adapts reasonably well to cultivation, but is slower growing and less ornamental than some of the other species.

C. oblonga, Tasmanian cypress-pine, is like C. rhomboidea, but it grows more stiffly and has coarser foliage. It has elongated cones, rather than the usual roundish ones. Generally thought of as only a Tasmanian native, it can be found growing naturally on the east edge of the dividing range in New South Wales and southern Queensland. It is most suitable for cool climates.

C. preissii, slender cypress pine, has three subspecies, including the well-known scrub cypress-pine or malice pine. These small trees, which often branch at ground level, grow widely across the southern half of Australia. The cones look rather like those of C. columellaris but are a bit larger.

C. rhomboidea, Port Jackson pine, is the most commonly cultivated species in south-eastern Australia. Its columnar form, dense, grayish green foliage and typical nodding 'brush' at the apex make it quite a handsome specimen. Under the right conditions, it grows quite rapidly to 8-10 m (26-33 ft), and reaches 4-S m (13-16 ft) within five years of planting. It occurs naturally over a large area of rocky country from eastern central Queensland to the Grampian Ranges of western Victoria, and Tasmania.

Cultivation

Under cultivation, cypress-pines appear to prefer a well-drained clay or deep sandy soil and a full sun position. Although most are not recommended for seaside gardens, they can tolerate wind but dislike disturbance of the soil around their roots. Propagation is by seed. With species that retain their seed, cut off some of the old woody cones and leave them in a warm, dry place. They will open up and release plenty of seed fairly quickly and will also germinate quite rapidly if planted shallowly in a fine sandy soil. The seedlings, too, grow rapidly. Cuttings are very difficult to strike.

Climate

Zone 9 if relatively frost-free and zone 10.