Hesperocyparis lusitanica

Lore & Background

Hesperocyparis lusitanica is a coniferous tree with a conic to ovoid-conic crown, growing to 40 m tall. Its foliage forms dense sprays, dark green to somewhat yellow-green, with scale-like leaves 2–5 mm long on rounded shoots. The seed cones are globose to oblong, 10–20 mm long, with four to 10 scales, green at first and maturing brown or grey-brown about 25 months after pollination. The cones typically open at maturity or shortly after, releasing seeds without the need for fire. Male cones are 3–4 mm long, releasing pollen in late winter to early spring (February–March in the northern hemisphere). In most of its natural environment, rainfall occurs more in summer.

Reader's Guide

Hesperocyparis lusitanica is significant for its wide cultivation as an ornamental tree and for timber production in warm, temperate, and subtropical regions worldwide. Fast-growing and drought tolerant but only slightly frost tolerant, it has been introduced to places like New Zealand. It has been planted commercially at high altitudes in Colombia (3,300 m), Bolivia, Ethiopia, and South Africa, and near sea level throughout New Zealand. In Colombia, trees are used for windbreak hedges and soil erosion prevention. Tanzanian mountain farmers have planted it for soil preservation and commercial use since the 1990s. As an ornamental, it thrives near sea level in temperate climates, notably in Portugal, Buenos Aires Province in Argentina, Austin, Texas, and the British Isles, where it can reach 30 m. In the Argentine province of San Luis, it is planted at 1,500 m to create artificial forests in a climate similar to its native habitat. Its cultivation in southern Asia has caused confusion with native Cupressus species; plants sold as Asian species like Cupressus torulosa often prove to be this species. The species has many synonyms, and Hesperocyparis benthamii has been treated as a variety or subspecies. In 2009, it was moved to the genus Hesperocyparis, and as of 2024, this is the accepted name with no subspecies or varieties.

Did You Know?

• The scientific name 'lusitanica' refers to Portugal, where it was cultivated at the monastery at Buçaco near Coimbra around 1634.
• Unlike some cypress species, the seed cones of Hesperocyparis lusitanica open at maturity or shortly after, not requiring fire.
• In Mexico, the tree is also known as cedro blanco (white cedar) or teotlate.
• Trees from northern Mexico populations have heavy drought endurance but have not been selected for cultivation.