Callitris verrucosa

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Callitris verrucosa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Gymnospermae
Division: Pinophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Cupressales
Family: Cupressaceae
Genus: Callitris
Species:
C. verrucosa
Binomial name
Callitris verrucosa

Callitris verrucosa, also known as the mallee pine, is a species of conifer in the family Cupressaceae. It is found only in Australia. The plant has a green/grey colour, rigid branches and can reach a height of 8 metres (26 ft). It has a slow grow rate.

Description[edit]

Callitris verrucosa is a small tree or shrub which can reach the height of 8 metres (26 ft). The mallee pine is typically multi-stemmed with erect branches.

The plants leaves are 2-4mm, with a conical/rounded surface, and green/grey coloured. The shrub produces cones which are around 3mm long and in singular clusters for males, and approximately 20mm long for females, and occur in a bunch.

The mallee pine is an obligate seeder, and its seeds display serotiny. The species can be negatively affected by intense fires, however it also requires fire to germinate seeds, making it a unique species.[2][3]

Other names[edit]

Other names for the mallee pine include camphor wood and scrub cypress pine.

Range and habitat[edit]

The mallee pine is endemic to Mallee Woodlands and Shrublands around southern Australia. It can be found in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. It prefers well-drained soils, and full sun. The conifer grows best in sandy-soils, and can commonly be found on sand dunes within its habitat.

Uses[edit]

The resin from various Callitris species were used by Aboriginal Australians as an adhesive for tools and weaponry. Long, straight branches were also fashioned into fishing spears.[4]

The wood from the mallee pine is durable and insect resistant, and can be used for fencing.[5]

Conservation[edit]

The species is categorised as "least concern" on the IUCN Redlist.[6]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Thomas, P. (2013). "Callitris verrucosa". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T42209A2961814. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42209A2961814.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  2. ^ State Herbarium of South Australia. "Callitris verrucosa". Electronic Flora of South Australia. Government of South Australia. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
  3. ^ Bradstock, R. A.; Cohn, J. S. (2002). "Demographic characteristics of mallee pine (Callitris verrucosa) in fire-prone mallee communities of central New South Wales". Australian Journal of Botany. 50 (5): 653. doi:10.1071/BT02019.
  4. ^ "Aboriginal Plant Use in SE Australia - Callitris". Information About Australias Flora. Australian National Botanic Gardens and Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research. 2015. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
  5. ^ Fern, K. "Callitris verrucosa". Useful Temperate Plants. Temperate Plants Database. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
  6. ^ IUCN (2 November 2010). "Callitris verrucosa: Thomas, P.: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2013: e.T42209A2961814". doi:10.2305/iucn.uk.2013-1.rlts.t42209a2961814.en. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)