Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast.
Cartagena cypress
Scientific name: Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast.
Family: Cupressaceae
Origin: North Africa
Year of planting: Unknown
Flowering: Summer
Tetraclinis articulata
Description
It is a slow growing tree, but can grow to over 16 metres in height. The leaves are like those of other cypresses, but smaller.
Its cones are globe-shaped and turn brown when ripe. They contain small seeds that have a kind of wings that help them to disperse in the wind.
It is a tree that resprouts very easily. That is why it grows back after a fire or when eaten by herbivorous animals.
Marimurtra’s specimen
On the way up from the Japan area of the garden you can find different cypress specimens together.
This way you can compare the different species. The Sandarac tree specimen is a bush type, and is about 8 metres high.
You can see its cones: when mature they open up and are star-shaped.
Did you know…?
It is the national tree of Malta. Its resin is used to make varnishes and lacquers to preserve paints.
Threat level (UICN)
Main uses
Raunkiaer Life Forms
