Scientific Name: Athrotaxis cupressoides Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region

Common Name: pencil pine

Family Classification (Clade): Gymnosperms

Family: Cupressaceae

Form Description: Conical tree with markedly tapering trunk.

Height (m): 8 – 15

Flowers: Inconspicuous. Several years often pass between successive flowerings.

Fruit: Cone – male and female cones on same tree. Male – terminal hardly wider than foliage. Mature fertile cones 1 cm cross, spherical, at end of twigs.

Municipality
Central HighlandsDerwent ValleyHuon ValleyKentishMeander ValleyWaratah-WynyardWest Coast
Plant Communities
Alpine and Sub-alpine Vegetation
Habitat Notes

Locally frequent in alpine and sub-alpine 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.

Site Tolerance

Exposed, Moist, Shady, Windy

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Loam, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

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. Slow growing. Specimen plant in public and domestic gardens.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed, Cuttings

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Dry and sieve.

Seed Treatment Method

Cold Some species require exposure to cold before they germinate. These species are best sown in early winter and left to germinate in a shade house.

Seed Storage Life

Short

Seed Treatment Notes

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.

Germination Time

1-2 months

Cutting & Division Information

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 3-4°C 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.