Contents
Description
Glyptostrobus, commonly known as the Water Pine, is a deciduous coniferous tree that belongs to the family Cupressaceae. It is the sole species in the genus Glyptostrobus and is native to Southeast Asia, specifically China and Vietnam. The tree can reach up to 30 meters in height and has a pyramid-like shape. It is also known for its unique bark, which is reddish-brown and peels off in long strips.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Genus | Glyptostrobus |
Appearance
The Glyptostrobus has leaves that are bright green, needle-like, and arranged spirally on the branches. During autumn, the leaves turn yellow and then brown before falling off. The tree also produces cones that are small, round, and brown, which contain seeds that are dispersed by the wind. The bark, as previously mentioned, is reddish-brown and peels off in long strips.
Care Guide
Glyptostrobus prefers to grow in moist soils, such as those found near lakes and rivers. It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, but needs a lot of water, especially during the first few years after planting. Fertilization is not necessary, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied in early spring. The tree can grow in hardiness zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Glyptostrobus is relatively disease and pest-free, but it can sometimes be affected by root rot if it is planted in poorly-draining soil. Additionally, spider mites and scale insects may infest the tree, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Habitat
Glyptostrobus is native to Southeast Asia and can be found growing in wetlands, along rivers, and near lakes. It is known for its ability to tolerate flooding, and its roots can even grow in water.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Glyptostrobus tolerate flooding?
A: Yes, Glyptostrobus is known for its ability to tolerate flooding and can even grow in water.
Q: What are the common pests that can infest Glyptostrobus?
A: Spider mites and scale insects may infest Glyptostrobus, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Glyptostrobus?
A: Glyptostrobus can grow in hardiness zones 5-9.
Q: Does Glyptostrobus need to be fertilized?
A: Fertilization is not necessary, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied in early spring.
Related Plants
- Taxodium
- Metasequoia
- Sequoiadendron
- Cryptomeria
References
- “Glyptostrobus pensilis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 29 Mar. 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=266002&isprofile=0&
- “Glyptostrobus pensilis – (Staunton Ex D. Don) K. Koch.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed 29 Mar. 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:262314-1
