Callitris

These are evergreen trees, native to Australia and Tasmania. Their branches are divided greatly and they have small leaves resembling scales. They can be planted outdoors in warm climates such as in Florida and southern California. In some ways, they are similar to the Cypress or Cupressus.

Pot Cultivation

Callitris can only be cultivated outside in the warmest parts of North America. Anywhere else they should be planted in a sunny greenhouse. When they're planted outside, they should have a sunny location in well-drained, light, loamy soil or sandy peat. Several kinds form lovely plants for decorating the greenhouse. The best compost consists of two parts fibrous loam, one part peat moss and one part coarse sand. When they have filled up their pots with roots, liquid fertilizer should be applied every week during the growing season.

Propagation

Seeds can be sown in sandy soil in a greenhouse or frame at any time. Cuttings may be taken in the summer or autumn, potted in sand or sandy peat, and kept in a closed frame or greenhouse for a few weeks until they form roots.

C. calcarata	C. robusta

VARIETIES

• C. calcarata (the Black Cypress Pine, which grows in New South Wales and Queensland and is valued for its timber);
• C. robusta (the Murray River Pine grows in Australia up to 100 ft.);
• C. Macleayan (the Port Macquarie Pine);
• C. oblonga (the Tasmanian Cypress Pine).