Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Callitris preissii or Rottnest Island pine

The genus Callitris, family Cupressaceae, includes 15 species of trees native to Australia and New Caledonia. Some species are: Callitris preissii, Callitris columellaris, Callitris neocaledonica, Callitris verrucosa, Callitris sulcata.

Common names: Rottnest Island pine, Slender cypress pine, Murray pine, Southern cypress pine, Maroong. This species is native to Australia.

Callitris preissii is an evergreen tree (sometimes a shrub) with a more or less pyramidal shape and slow growth that reaches 6 meters (19.68 feet) in height. It has tiny rounded green leaves. The cones measure 2 cm (0.78") in diameter.

Slender cypress pine is used to form hedges and windbreaks, as an isolated specimen, to create Bonsais and in public gardens and parks. The pollen of this conifer attracts bees.

Callitris preissii grows well in semi-shaded exposure in Mediterranean climates and in full sun exposure in temperate climates. It resists light and occasional frosts.

Although it grows in all types of soil (even clayey) it prefers a well-drained sandy soil.

Water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry completely. It resists drought well.

Rottnest Island pine does not need fertilizer.

Prune dry or damaged branches at the end of winter.

Callitris preissii is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases.

Southern cypress pine is propagated from seeds sown in sandy seedbeds in spring or autumn.

Images of the tree Callitris preissii or Rottnest Island pine