Black Cypress Pine

Description:

Callitris endlicheri, commonly known as "black cypress pine", is a species of conifer in the Cupressaceae family, and is found only in Australia. Trees are typically killed by canopy fire and the species regenerates from seeds. Usually found on stony hills or ridges, from the plains to the coastal ranges in QLD, NSW, and VIC. In Girraween, the vast majority of specimens I found were high up on the massive granite outcrops. This particulate tree had loads of character, and my first impression was it looked like the Joshua Tree - old, gnarly, and very remote in a harsh environment.

Habitat:

Spotted in native bushland in Girraween National Park, midway up Castle Rock. Remote, lots are granite boulders, very sandy soil. Fully exposed to the extreme elements, day and night temperatures, and seasonal variations. Often extreme heat in summer, and frosts/snow in winter. Here's some park info - http://www.rymich.com/girraween/

Notes:

Fires have been though this area in the recent past, and this individual tree has been burnt. The last photos show younger specimens on top of Castle Rock, and they are more protected from fire. They look like they're growing right out of the granite itself. Trees follow the spits in the rock where debris can accumulate and the roots can take hold. >>> There are 8 families of conifers, however, the species found in Girraween National Park all belong to the same family - Cupressaceae, the cypresses - Callitris endlicheri, Callitris monticola, and Callitris rhomboidea. These 3 are amongst the 14 cypress species native to Australia.