CUPRESSACEAE

Pencil Pine

 

15.0m (1500cm) 

Inconspicuous. Several years often pass between successive flowerings. 

Cones 

Conical tree with markedly tapering trunk. 

Central Highlands; Derwent Valley; Huon Valley; Kentish; Meander Valley; Waratah-Wynyard; West Coast 

Montane Vegetation 

Tas. endemic. Locally frequent in montane and subalpine habitats around lakes and in wet but well aerated soil sometimes forming pure stands. Dominates closed and open forests at high altitude in the west of the state. 

Exposed; Moist; Shady; Windy 

Hardy 

Fertile; Loam; Phosphorous intolerant; Well-drained 

Prefers moist (well drained) humus rich soils which do not become too dry in summer and with a cool root run. Grows well in partial or full sun. Useful in public and domestic gardens, for roadsides and for windbreaks. Not suitable below powerlines. 

Male and female cones on same tree. male: terminal hardly wider than foliage. mature fertile cones 1 cm cross, spherical, at end of twigs. dry and sieve 

Cold 

Short 

 

May benefit from 6-8 weeks cold-moist stratification prior to germination. Seedling very prone to "damping off" unless stringent precautions are taken.Viability varies from year to year. Fresh seed is recommended. 

1-2 months 

 

 

 

No 

Cuttings strike fairly readily. Use tip cuttings with or without "heels" and strike in a 2:1 mix of peat moss and sand. Late summer is best time to collect cuttings. Should strike more successfully if stored in a plastic bag with sphagnum moss for moisture in the refrigerator at or about 3-4oC for about 6-8 weeks prior to setting out. Bottom heat and mist is beneficial or a plastic bag over the pot. Plants grow slowly and require adequate moisture. Also grows from layers.