Contents
Description
Dacrydium Cupressinum, also known as the Yellow Pine, is a coniferous tree native to New Zealand. It belongs to the family Podocarpaceae and can reach up to 25 meters in height. The bark is brownish-grey and the leaves are scale-like and arranged spirally around the stems. The tree produces small cones that are green when young and turn brown as they mature.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Podocarpaceae |
| Genus | Dacrydium |
Appearance
Dacrydium Cupressinum has a narrow, conical shape with a dense crown of foliage. The leaves are scale-like and arranged spirally around the stems, with a yellow-green color. The bark is brownish-grey and becomes rough with age. The tree produces small cones that are green when young and turn brown as they mature. The overall appearance of the tree is similar to that of a cypress.
Care Guide
Dacrydium Cupressinum prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Water the tree regularly during the growing season and fertilize it once a year in the spring. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dacrydium Cupressinum is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by root rot if the soil is too wet. Scale insects and mealybugs can also infest the tree, but these can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Habitat
Dacrydium Cupressinum is native to New Zealand, where it grows in lowland and montane forests. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of temperatures, from cool to warm.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Dacrydium Cupressinum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers, but it will require frequent watering and fertilization.
Q: Is Dacrydium Cupressinum a fast-growing tree?
A: No, it is a slow-growing tree that can take many years to reach its full height.
Q: How often should Dacrydium Cupressinum be fertilized?
A: It should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Does Dacrydium Cupressinum require pruning?
A: No, it does not require pruning, but it can be shaped if desired.
Related Plants
- Dacrycarpus dacrydioides
- Dacrydium franklinii
- Dacrydium laxifolium
- Dacrydium nidulum
References
- de Lange, P. J., Norton, D. A., Courtney, S. P., Heenan, P. B., & Barkla, J. W. (2009). Threatened and uncommon plants of New Zealand (Vol. 2). Canterbury University Press.
- Farjon, A. (2010). A handbook of the world’s conifers (Vol. 1). BRILL.
- Matthews, M. L., & Allendorf, F. W. (2002). Genetic differentiation of New Zealand’s Yellow Pine (Dacrydium cupressinum) populations. Conservation Genetics, 3(3), 299-307.
