Common Name: White Cypress-Pine

General Information

Callitris columellaris is a slow growing evergreen tree with a spreading to upright crown; it can grow up to 30 metres tall but is usually smaller. The bole can be 30 - 60cm in diameter[, , ].
The plant was used by the Australian aborigines as a medicine and to provide various other commodities. Experiments have been made with cultivating the plant for its valuable timber, but it has proved to be too slow growing for this. However, these plantations have served as a valuable resource for obtaining an essential oil and other natural products[]. The plant is grown as an ornamental.
Callitris columellaris is here treated in a wide sense to include Callitris glaucophylla and Callitris intratropica. Although this species has been exploited throughout most of its range and its habitat is fragmented and degraded by a combination of grazing by domestic livestock and feral animals, altered fire regimes and invasion by exotic weeds, it is still very widespread and locally common. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Australia - South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territories, Western Australia.

Habitat

Light soils, occasionally near the coast, but usually in dry inland areas up to the montane zone[]. Locally abundant on deep coastal sands[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Callitris columellaris is widespread in warm temperate to tropical regions of Australia, often growing in areas with low rainfall, ranging from 150 - 750mm per year. It is not very frost hardy, with some forms able to tolerate occasional short-lived temperatures down to around -7°c, and can only be grown outdoors in areas with mild winters, generally growing well in Mediterranean climates such as southern Europe, northern Africa and California[, ].
Requires a sunny position, growing well in sandy, well-drained soils[]. Grows well near the coast[]. Tolerant of saline soils and, when established, of drought[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 6.5, tolerating 5 - 7.5[].
Plants are highly flammable and so should not be planted near buildings in areas prone to bush fires[].
Plants are adapted to growing in regions subject to periodic bush fires - the seed is usually only released after a fire, germinating rapidly to re-occupy the site[].
A relatively slow-growing tree.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A decoction of the inner bark is used as a wash to relieve stomach cramps and to treat sores and cuts[]. The decoction is also occasionally taken internally to relieve stomach cramps[].
The leaves and twigs have been used in steam broths to treat colds and sores[].

The wood ashes are mixed with water and smeared over the affected part of the body to relieve minor aches and pains[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is wind resistant and makes an excellent shelterbelt[].

Other Uses

A resin obtained from the stumps of felled trees or the cut logs is used as a coating for pills[].

A high quality essential oil is extracted from the heartwood[, ]. Called 'Australian blue cypress' oil in the trade, it is used in perfumery, cosmetics and aromatherapy[].

The bark is burnt in camp fires to repel insects[].

The bark contains 11 - 23% dry weight of tannin[, ].

The heartwood is light brown in colour with dark brown longitudinal streaks; the sapwood varies from pale straw to pinkish tan. The grain is usually straight; texture rather fine; lustrous; the odour is aromatic camphor-like; greasy feel. The resinous wood is very durable, insect-resistant, brittle, very flammable, hard, close grained. It seasons readily but because of low shrinkage is customarily used in the green or partially dried condition; tends to check around knots. It is fairly easy to work although there is some tearing of grain around knots; dresses well to a smooth finish and takes a high polish; some tendency to split when nailed. It is used for construction, furniture making, cabinet making, fencing, ship building etc[, , , , ].
The wood makes a good fuel, burning well even when wet and releasing a pleasant smell that keeps insects away[]. It can also be used to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - does not require stratification, germinating at any time of the year if it becomes moist[]. Sow in early spring in a greenhouse. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.