Genus: Chamaecyparis
Species: funebris
Family: CUPRESSACEAE
Common name: Chinese Weeping Cypress, Funeral or Mourning Cypress
Plant type: Evergreen
Origin: China
Habit/Form:
A magnificent weeping cypress tree generally 10-20m height, can reach 25m, main body and primary stem and branching are upright, ascending, closely spaced dense conical crown with outer branches and foliage that hangs and weeps. Trunk is strong, has an evenly appearing vertical running furrow from its thready brown and grey bark. The bark itself can be flaky or splintering and thready, rough/tough, but appears uniform.
This tree has a long history of cultivation and the precise origins are unknown, but it is synonymously named: Cupressus funebris.
I identify the tree in the genus Chamaecyparis because of its flattened branchlet sprays. The Cupressus genius does not have this prominent flattened spray but rather terete or squarish branchlets.
The Chinese Weeping Cypress is very much woodland or forest, found growing on mountain slopes, moderate fertile soil, can handle a wide range of climates and soil, tolerates hot and dry conditions, drought, poor soil, typically planted around monasteries and temples as well as parks and golf courses.
Leaves:
Scale-like, finely textured, light to mid green, limey coloured, up to 5mm long with the base clasping and compressed, forming flexible slender flattened sprays, generally alternate, can be opposite.
Flowers:
Catkin, ovoid.
Cones:
Globose, varying mid green, can be glaucous mixed in, usual Cupressaceae family form, up to 15mm long, 10mm across, 6-8 lumpy scales, each scale prominent rising in the centre. Cones can last for years.
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