Athrotaxis cupressoides

Taxobox
status = VU | status_system = IUCN2.3
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Pinophyta
classis = Pinopsida
ordo = Pinales
familia = Cupressaceae
genus = "Athrotaxis"
species = "A. cupressoides"
binomial = "Athrotaxis cupressoides"
binomial_authority = D.Don

"Athrotaxis cupressoides" is a species of "Athrotaxis", endemic to Tasmania in Australia, where it grows at 700–1,300 m altitude.Farjon, A. (2005). "Monograph of Cupressaceae and Sciadopitys". Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. ISBN 1-84246-068-4] [Conifer Specialist Group 2000: [http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/32054/all "Athrotaxis cupressoides"] ] Its common name is Pencil Pine, although it's not a member of the Pine family.

It is an evergreen coniferous tree growing to 10–20 m tall, with a trunk up to 1 m diameter. The leaves are scale-like, 3–6 mm long and 2–3 mm broad, arranged spirally on the shoots. The seed cones are globose, 10–16 mm diameter, with 10–16 spirally-arranged scales; they are mature about six months after pollination. The pollen cones are 3–5 mm long.

The species is threatened, with the major cause of decline being out-of-control bushfires set to clear logging debris after timber harvests in nearby "Eucalyptus" forests; a large proportion of the species' range was severely affected by major fires in 1960–1961. Disease caused by "Phytophthora" species has also been identified as a cause of dieback. Regeneration is also hampered by introduced sheep and rabbits.

Away from its native range, it is occasionally cultivated as an ornamental tree in northwestern Europe.Mitchell, A. F. (1974). "A Field Guide to the Trees of Britain and Northern Europe". Collins ISBN 0-00-212035-6]

References