Care of the tree Cupressus dupreziana or Saharan cypress |
The genus Cupressus, family Cupressaceae, comprises about 30 species of trees native to Asia, Europe and America. Some species are: Cupressus dupreziana, Cupressus macrocarpa, Cupressus funebris, Cupressus sempervirens, Cupressus sargentii, Cupressus arizonica, Cupressus atlantica, Cupressus forbesii. Common names: Saharan cypress, Tarout. This species is native to nothern Africa. They are slow-growing evergreen trees with a conical crown that reach 18 meters (59 feet) in height. The small scaly leaves are bluish-green in color. They produce rounded cones up to 2.5 cm (0.98") in diameter. Saharan cypress is used as single specimens and in small groups in low-maintenance gardens. It's ideal for Mediterranean gardens. Cupressus dupreziana needs full sun exposure and a warm, dry climate. Frost resistant to -15 ºC (5 ºF). Tarout grows in any type of soil that has good drainage, especially in sandy soils. Saharan cypress is a very drought resistant plant that needs occasional watering in summer. The rest of the year it's maintained with rainwater. Cupressus dupreziana does not need fertilizer. Prune dry branches at the end of winter. Saharan cypress is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to the accumulation of water in the roots. Cupressus dupreziana propagates from spring sown seed but it is a slow process. |
Images of the tree Cupressus dupreziana or Saharan cypress |