The Cypress Family

There are at least 130 species in this family of trees and they are the farthest
spread of their class (Pinopsida). This family includes redwoods, junipers, cedars,
sequoias, et cetra. As for physical features, the bark often peels in vertical fibrous strips.
However, some species can have scaly or smooth bark and some bark types exfoliate by
cracking in hard, square pieces. Most have scales, and some grow needles. “Cypresses”
have 1st place in height (115.55m), trunk diameter (11.42m), mass (1486.9m3), and 2nd
place in age (3622 yrs.). The majority of this group is evergreen, but 3 of the genera
(Glyptostrobus, Metasequoia, and Taxodium) are deciduous.
The genus Cupressus is the largest in the family Cupressaceae with at least 19
species. These trees average 5-40m in height. When 1 or 2 years old, the saplings grow
needles, once they are more mature the produce the more typical scales. The cones are
rarely larger than 1½ inches across. The seeds are less than a centimeter wide and have a
pair of small “wings”. Most species have adapted to forest fires and the cones do not
release the seeds until the tree itself is dead. Cypresses are used extensively in decoration
but few are grown for lumber. This genus is also divided into New-world and Old-world
types. Old-world species have cones with more scales. The scales have blunt ridges as
opposed to the spiked scales of New-world species. The New-world species are in fact
different enough to be moved to the genus Callitropsis.
The second largest cypress genus is Callistris. This group contains 15 species.
They are native primarily to Australia (only 2 are from New Caledonia). This genus has
characteristics such as a smaller height range (5-25m), thick woody cone scales, and a
preference for dry ground. There is one oddball though. Callistris macleayana is so
different that it could easily be considered in a separate genus. To start with, it can reach
40 meters in height like trees in Cupressus. But unlike both groups it grows needles and
scales together. It is also able to populate moist habitats like rainforests. Some place this
cypress-pine as Octoclinis macleayana to separate it. The wood of these genera and
Actinostrobus is soft and light. It is used to make furniture because of its good smell,
resistance to decay, and workability. On the downside these trees burn quite readily.
In third place there is Chamaecyparis. With only 5 or 6 species this genus is much
smaller. These cypresses end their growth between 20 and 70 meters. The wood is
scented and used in Japanese temple construction. 4 of the species are valued as
ornamental.
Widdringtonia is the group title for the 4 African Cypresses. Widdringtonia
whytei can grow to 40m but the others stop at 20m. Widdringtonia nodiflora is the best
adapted to fire: it can grow from a root and its seeds are only released after a fire. The
remaining two grow in rocky regions. One can grow to 25m the other only reaches 7.
Lastly there are the genera: Actinostrobus, Callitropsis, and Taxodium.
Actinostrobus is closely related to Callistris, but only has 3 species. Its growth covers a
much smaller area and the trees are quite small, only 5-8m. Taxodium is likewise a group
of 3. The wood is very resistant to decay and termite damage. These trees can be 30-45m
tall, are flood tolerant, and often get to 2-3m thick. Callitropsis is last with only 2 species,
The Nootka Cypress and Vietnamese Golden Cypress. Callitropsis nootkatensis thrives
along the west coastal mountains of North America. Callitropsis vietnamesensis is a close
relative but is native to a northern-Vietnam province. Both can reach about 40 meters.