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(Widdringtonia nodiflora)
Mountain Cypress (Widdringtonia nodiflora)
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Nicola van Berkel
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Nicola van Berkel
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Nicola van Berkel | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Nicola van Berkel | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-03-01T16:53:02-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Widdringtonia nodiflora, commonly known as Mountain Cypress, is an evergreen tree or large shrub native to the mountainous regions and rocky outcrops of Southern Africa, particularly the Western Cape. It exhibits a slow growth rate, typically reaching 5–7 meters in height, but can occasionally grow up to 25 meters tall. The species is dioecious, with individual trees producing either male or female cones. Mountain Cypress is notable for its ability to coppice, vigorously re-sprouting from burnt or cut stumps, a trait that is unique within its genus and crucial for its survival in fire-prone fynbos habitats.
Mountain Cypress is valued for its attractive, fine-textured foliage and its adaptability to a range of garden settings. It is especially appreciated for its water-wise qualities and as an indigenous alternative to traditional Christmas trees in the Southern Hemisphere. The wood of Widdringtonia nodiflora is highly flammable, which is an adaptation to its fire-prone native environment. This species is suitable for container planting, making it a versatile choice for patios and smaller gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade, requires low water once established, and prefers well-drained sandy soils. It is frost-resistant, making it a hardy choice for cool or wet climates. While it can be propagated from seed, which germinates over several weeks, it is important to sow seeds in autumn for best results. Potential cultivation challenges include its slow growth rate and the need for protection from strong winds due to its shallow root system.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mountain Cypress is valued for its attractive, fine-textured foliage and its adaptability to a range of garden settings. It is especially appreciated for its water-wise qualities and as an indigenous alternative to traditional Christmas trees in the Southern Hemisphere. The wood of Widdringtonia nodiflora is highly flammable, which is an adaptation to its fire-prone native environment. This species is suitable for container planting, making it a versatile choice for patios and smaller gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade, requires low water once established, and prefers well-drained sandy soils. It is frost-resistant, making it a hardy choice for cool or wet climates. While it can be propagated from seed, which germinates over several weeks, it is important to sow seeds in autumn for best results. Potential cultivation challenges include its slow growth rate and the need for protection from strong winds due to its shallow root system.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 15-21 feet
- Width: 8-14 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Erosion Control, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Mountainous regions and rocky outcrops of Southern Africa, particularly the Western Cape
Other Names
Common Names: Mountain Cedar, Cape Cypress, Bergcypress, Sapree-Wood, Bergsapree, Bergsipres, Thaululo, Nwelelwentaba
Scientific Names: , Widdringtonia nodiflora, Widdringtonia cupressoides, Widdringtonia juniperoides, Taxodium juniperoides, Cupressus juniperoides, Widdringtonia dracomontana, Thuja cupressoides, Callitris cupressoides, Callitris arborea
GBIF Accepted Name: Widdringtonia nodiflora (L.) Powrie