Cupressus sempervirens L.

Cupressus sempervirens L. Family

Cupressaceae

Cupressus sempervirens L. English Name

Graveyard or Pyramidal Cypress

Cupressus sempervirens L. Local Name

Saru, Saro

Cupressus sempervirens L. Description

This plant is an evergreen conifer grows up to 20-30m in height. Trunk is hard and straight. Bark is thin, smooth and grey. Leaves are scale-like, decussate, small, ovate, obtuse, dark green, with a dorsal gland in the shape of longitudinal furrow. Flowers appear early in spring. Cones are short stalk, glossy, brown to grey, pendulous and about 2-3cm long. Cones begin to open in September, after shedding the seeds.

Cupressus sempervirens L. Distribution

Its original native distribution is unclear. It can be easily found in sub-continent. It is tolerant to temperatures as low as -20 0C. This species is also tolerant to drought, air currents, wind dust, sleet and atmospheric gases. Its root system is well developed. It succeeds on acid and alkaline soils.

Cupressus sempervirens L. Uses

It has high aesthetic value, can be used as an ornamental. It is also known for its very durable, scented wood, used most famously for the doors. In cosmetics it is used as astringent, firming, anti-seborrheic, anti-dandruff, anti-aging and as fragrance.