Callitris endlicheri, commonly known as the black cypress pine, is a species of conifer in the family Cupressaceae. It is found only in Australia, occurring in Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and Victoria.[1][2]
Callitris endlicheri | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Gymnospermae |
Division: | Pinophyta |
Class: | Pinopsida |
Order: | Cupressales |
Family: | Cupressaceae |
Genus: | Callitris |
Species: | C. endlicheri
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Binomial name | |
Callitris endlicheri (Parl.) F.Muell.
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Synonyms | |
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Callitris endlicheri is an evergreen tree growing 5–15 m (16–49 ft) tall[3] with tough, furrowed bark. The branches may be erect or spreading with keeled green leaves measuring 2–4 mm (0.079–0.157 in) long.[4] This species is monoecious, with female cones occurring solitarily or in clusters on slender fruiting branchlets. The cones are smooth, almost spherical, measuring 15–20 mm (0.59–0.79 in) in diameter[3] and containing a number of sticky seeds coated in resin. Cones may persist on the tree for a number of years.[5]
The Wiradjuri people of New South Wales, who use the name kara to refer to this species, use the trunks of young trees to make spears, the wood and dry needles as kindling, and the resinous sap as a glue and medicine.[6] It is sometimes logged for commercial purposes.[2]