- Cupressus cashmeriana
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Cupressus cashmeriana 
Cupressus cashmeriana, the Kashmir Cypress Conservation status Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae Division: Pinophyta Class: Pinopsida Order: Pinales Family: Cupressaceae Genus: Cupressus Species: C. cashmeriana Binomial name Cupressus cashmeriana
Royle ex CarrièreCupressus cashmeriana (Bhutan Cypress, Kashmir Cypress; Dzongkha language: Tsenden) is a species of cypress native to the eastern Himalaya in Bhutan, and adjacent areas of Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India; it grows at moderately high altitudes of 1,250–2,800 metres (4,100–9,200 ft). [1]
Contents
Description
Cupressus cashmeriana is a medium-sized to large coniferous tree growing 20–45 metres (66–148 ft) tall, rarely much more, with a trunk up to 3 metres (9.8 ft) diameter. The foliage grows in strongly pendulous sprays of blue-green, very slender, flattened shoots. The leaves are scale-like, 1–2 mm long, up to 5 mm long on strong lead shoots; young trees up to about 5 years old have juvenile foliage with soft needle-like leaves 3–8 mm long. [1]
The seed cones are ovoid, 10–21 mm long and 10–19 mm broad, with 8–12 scales, dark green, maturing dark brown about 24 months after pollination. The cones open at maturity to shed the seed. The pollen cones are 3–5 mm long, and release pollen in early spring. [2]
A tree of 95 metres (312 ft) tall has recently been reported [3], but the measurements await verification. If so it is the tallest tree in Asia.
Symbolism and uses
The Bhutan Cypress is the official National tree of Bhutan, where it is often associated with Buddhist religious places. It has been widely planted around Vihara monasteries and Buddhist temples there for centuries.
Cultivation
Cupressus cashmeriana is widely grown horticulturally as an ornamental tree, both within its native region and internationally in temperate climates. It is planted in private gardens and public parks. Many of the plants available outside of its native range are named cultivars, selected for particular forms, textures, or foliage colours, such as very pendulous branching or shoots, a fastigate or columnar shape, or a particularly bright blue or silvery glaucous foliage.
References
- Conifer Specialist Group (1998). Cupressus cashmeriana. 2006. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved on 12 May 2006.
- Farjon, A. (2005). Monograph of Cupressaceae and Sciadopitys. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. ISBN 1-84246-068-4
- Miehe, G. & Miehe, S. (1998). "Plant Formations in central Bhutan"
Notes
- ^ a b http://www.conifers.org/cu/cup/cashmeriana.htm gymnosperm.data
- ^ http://www.pinetum.org/cones/CUcashmeriana.jpg
- ^ (Farjon; 2005 Monograph)
External links
Categories:- IUCN Red List vulnerable species
- Cupressus
- Flora of the Himalayas
- Flora of Bhutan
- Trees of India
- Trees of Asia
- Trees of Pakistan
- Plants described in 1867
- Garden plants of Asia
- Ornamental trees
- Trees of temperate climates
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