Common Name:

General Information

Callitris rhomboidea is an evergreen shrub or a tree with a spreading to upright crown; it can grow up to 15 metres tall. The bole can be 29 - 44cm in diameter[, , ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its wood[]. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens, where it can be trimmed to make a hedge.
Despite some decline in some parts of its range, Callitris rhomboidea has a wide distribution and is relatively frequent. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia

Habitat

Usually found in open woodland in montane areas but also on coastal heaths and in riparian areas[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Callitris rhomboidea is found in warm temperate to subtropical regions of eastern and southern Australia, often growing in areas with low rainfall. It is not very frost hardy, tolerating occasional, short-lived temperatures falling as low as -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[]. Plants are drought-sensitive on shallow 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[].
The plant is relatively slow-growing.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant can be grown as a trimmed hedge[].

Other Uses

The termite and rot resistant wood has been locally used for construction, poles and fencing in some areas[, , ].
The wood of Callitris species generally makes an excellent fuel, burning well even when wet[, ].

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.