Common Name: Stringy Bark

General Information

Callitris macleayana is an evergreen tree with a spreading crown; it usually grows up to 20 metres tall, exceptionally reaching 45 metres. The bark is very fibrous[, , ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its wood. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens.
Past logging has reduced the number of larger trees and its overall abundance. Forest clearance for agriculture and pastoralism has also fragmented its habitat and reduced its area of occupancy. Widlfires are probably the major current threat. In the past there have been reductions in the population due to logging and habitat loss. However, it has a wide distribution and various steps have been taken to protect the plant. It is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland

Habitat

Found either in pure stands or in association with various sclerophyll tree species, often at the margin of rainforests. It is generally restricted to poorer soils and favours gullies, moist slopes and ridgetops[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Callitris macleayana is found in warm temperate to subtropical regions and at higher elevations in the tropics of eastern Australia. It is not very frost hardy 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[]. This species prefers moist habitats, close to rainforest, and usually is found growing in poor soils[].
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[].
Callitris macleayana is very fire sensitive - at least 25 years between fires is required to ensure its persistence[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is durable and insect-resistant[]. It splits easily[]. Trees were selectively logged in the past and large trees are now relatively rare[]. The wood has been used for construction as well as cabinet making[].
The wood burns easily and makes an excellent fuel. It is used for starting fires[].

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.