Callitris oblonga explained

Callitris oblonga, also known as the South Esk pine,^[1] pygmy cypress pine,^[2] pigmy cypress pine, river pine, or Tasmanian cypress pine,^[3] is a species of conifer in the family Cupressaceae. It is endemic to Australia, where it is native to New South Wales and Tasmania,^[4] with one subspecies introduced in Victoria.^[5] It is considered vulnerable and faces a number of threats including land clearing, habitat degradation, and damage from or competition with invasive species.^[6]

Taxonomy

There are three subspecies currently recognised:

• C. o. oblonga – northeast Tasmania, introduced in Victoria
• C. o. corangensis (K.D. Hill) – New England Tablelands in northern New South Wales
• C. o. parva (K.D. Hill) – Corang River catchment in southern New South Wales

Description

Callitris oblonga is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing to 5 meters tall with leaves measuring 4-5 millimeters long.^[7] This species is monoecious. The female cones are egg shaped, measuring 12-15 millimeters in diameter, sessile or borne on short fruiting branchlets, and may occur singly or in clusters.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Wapstra. Hans. Wapstra. Annie. Wapstra. Mark. Gilfedder. Louise. The Little Book of Common Names for Tasmanian Plants. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment. 24 December 2017.
2. Web site: Pygmy Cypress Pine – profile . 2022-12-03 . NSW Department of Planning and Environment.
3. Eckenwalder, J.E. 2009. Conifers of the World: The Complete Reference. Timber Press
4. Web site: Callitris oblonga (pigmy cypress-pine) . 2022-12-03 . The Gymnosperm Database.
5. Web site: Callitris oblonga subsp. oblonga . 2022-12-03 . VicFlora . Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.
6. Thomas . P . 2013 . Callitris oblonga . 3 December 2022 . . 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T30542A2794516.en. free .
7. Web site: Callitris oblonga . 2022-12-03 . New South Wales Flora Online.