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Description
Widdringtonia Schwarzii is a species of coniferous tree that belongs to the family Cupressaceae. It is also known as the Clanwilliam Cedar, and is endemic to the Western Cape province of South Africa. The tree can grow up to a height of 20-25 meters and has a narrow, conical shape. Its bark is reddish-brown and becomes fissured with age. Widdringtonia Schwarzii is a slow-growing tree that can live for up to 800 years.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Genus | Widdringtonia |
Appearance
Widdringtonia Schwarzii has needle-like leaves that are greenish-grey in color and arranged in a spiral pattern around the branches. The leaves are about 5-10 mm long and have a pointed tip. The tree produces cones that are about 30-40 mm in length and have a woody structure. The cones take about two years to mature and release their seeds. Widdringtonia Schwarzii is an evergreen tree that retains its needles throughout the year.
Care Guide
Widdringtonia Schwarzii is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. It prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic, and can grow in full sun or partial shade. The tree requires regular watering during the growing season, but can tolerate drought conditions once established. Fertilization is not necessary, but can help accelerate growth. Widdringtonia Schwarzii is hardy to USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Widdringtonia Schwarzii is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. The most common pests include spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. The tree is also vulnerable to root rot, which can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To prevent root rot, it is important to provide well-drained soil and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Widdringtonia Schwarzii is native to the Cedarberg Mountains in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It grows in rocky, mountainous areas at elevations between 1,000-2,000 meters. The tree is adapted to a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The Cedarberg Mountains receive an average of 600-800 mm of rainfall per year.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Widdringtonia Schwarzii a fast-growing tree?
A: No, Widdringtonia Schwarzii is a slow-growing tree that can take several years to reach its full height.
Q: Can Widdringtonia Schwarzii be grown in containers?
A: No, Widdringtonia Schwarzii is not suitable for container growing as it requires a lot of space for its roots to grow.
Q: Does Widdringtonia Schwarzii produce any fruit?
A: Yes, Widdringtonia Schwarzii produces cones that contain its seeds.
Q: Is Widdringtonia Schwarzii a threatened species?
A: Yes, Widdringtonia Schwarzii is listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and overexploitation.
Related Plants
- Widdringtonia cedarbergensis
- Widdringtonia nodiflora
- Widdringtonia schwarzii
- Widdringtonia whytei
References
- Coates Palgrave, M. 2002. Trees of Southern Africa. Struik Publishers.
- IUCN Red List. (2021). Widdringtonia schwarzii. Retrieved from https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/42267/2963949
- PlantZAfrica. (n.d.). Widdringtonia schwarzii. Retrieved from http://pza.sanbi.org/widdringtonia-schwarzii
