Callitris pyramidalis (Swamp Cypress)

Stirling Range National Park FloraSRNP Flora Index Anigozanthos rufus (Red Kangaroo Paw) Banksia aculeata (Prickly Banksia) Banksia coccinea (Scarlet Banksia) Banksia oreophila (Mountain Banksia) Banksia sphaerocarpa var sphaerocarpa (Fox Banksia) Callitris pyramidalis (Swamp Cypress) Conospermum caeruleum (Blue Brother) Conospermum caeruleum subsp. oblanceolatum Darwinia wittwerorum (Wittwer’s Mountain Bell) Daviesia oppositifolia (Rattle-pea) Eucalyptus preissiana (Bell-fruited Mallee) Eucalyptus macrandra (Long-flowered Marlock) Eucalyptus uncinata (Hook-leaved Mallee) Hakea cucullata (Hood Leaved Hakea) Hakea lehmanniana (Blue Hakea) Hibbertia selkii Native Orchids

Callitris pyramidalis (commonly known as Swamp Cypress), was formerly classified as Actinostrobus pyramidalis. One of the coniferous tree in the family Cupressaceae, it is endemic to southwestern area of Western Australia.

This species of Swamp cypress is a shrub to small tree, and can reach a height of 8 metres. On the adult tree it has scale-like evergreen leaves, whilst on the young seedlings, the leaves are needle-like. The leaves are in six rows along the twigs, in alternating whorls of three.

The male cones are small, about 3–6 mm long, and are located at the tips of the twigs. The female cones start similar and inconspicuous, but mature in about 18–20 months to a shape of 1–2 cm with a rounded apex. The cones can remain closed on the trees for many years, being released from the cone on drying, or when the branch or tree dies. Bush fires will also kill the tree, causing the seeds to be released.

Calli = beautiful + tris = three, leaves in whorls of three…and pyramidal = refers to the habit/appearance of these amazing small to medium size trees, up to 8 metres tall. The females have these beautiful large seed bearing cones, receiving wind blown pollen from the much smaller male cones produced at the terminals of the foliage… leaves are in alternating whorls of three.

Source: Terry Dunham¹