SafePlants

Cypress-Pine (Callitris spp. and Cupressus spp.)

The term "cypress-pine" is a common name applied to coniferous trees belonging to the cypress family (Cupressaceae), specifically the genera Callitris and Cupressus. While sharing a common name association with pines (Pinus), cypress-pines are technically not true pines.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Cypress Pine is a timber that can be knotty and prone to splitting.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that Cypress Pine is a timber that can be knotty and prone to splitting.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Cupressaceae (cypress family)
• Genus: Callitris (and sometimes Cupressus)
• Common Names: Cypress-pine, Australian cypress, Murray pine, White Cypress Pine, White Cypress-pine, Murray River Cypress-pine, Western Sand Cypress, Northern Cypress-pine, Western Cypress. Local Indigenous names include chinchilla, jinchila Barunggam, and cooloola.
• Callitris glaucophylla is referred to as Australia's "White Cypress Pine."

Distribution and Habitat

• Cypress-pines are native to Australia.
• White cypress pine is widely distributed in inland areas of Australia with moderate rainfall, forming extensive forests.
• Specific regions mentioned include the Murray River area in the south, extending to central Queensland in the north.
• In South Australia, it is widespread in lower rainfall areas.
• Callitris intratropica is noted as potentially disappearing from parts of its previous range.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Cypress-pines are coniferous trees.
• They can range in size from small to medium-sized trees, reaching heights of up to 20 meters.
• Black cypress pine has small, flattened scales as leaves.
• The heartwood has a lot of colour variation from pale yellow browns through to dark brown, almost black.

Ecological Role

• Cypress Pine forests are used for sheep and cattle grazing.
• Callitris intratropica is considered to be disappearing from significant areas of its previous range, potentially due to increased fire frequency.

Properties and Uses

• White cypress is a highly durable Australian softwood timber.
• It's suited to exposed and high-wear applications like house framing, cladding, flooring, and fencing.
• Cypress is a structural timber for external use.
• It's naturally resistant to decay and termites.
• Australian Cypress is used as an alternative to treated pine.
• Cypress Pine is a naturally regenerating species

Quirky Facts

• Although classified as a softwood, Cypress Pine's properties are closer to those of a hardwood than a conifer.

Further Information

• Collins English Dictionary offers a definition of "cypress pine."
• ARKive provides information and photos of Roe's cypress pine.