Fitzroya cupressoides
| Fitzroya cupressoides | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-7.3 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 33' |
| Width: | 20' |
| Speed: | Slow |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Fitzroya cupressoides (common name: alerce)
Propagation: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Once they have reached a height of at least 30cm, plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts[1].
Cuttings, August, in a sandy soil in a frame[2].
Cultivation: This species dislikes soils that dry out rapidly, preferring an acid soil with a pH around 5[1]. It grows best in humid conditions, especially on north facing slopes or in the shelter of a woodland edge[1]. It dislikes cold drying winds[1].
A very ornamental tree[2], it is much hardier in Britain than was once thought[3]. Generally a very slow growing tree in Britain but young plants can grow 30cm a year and growth can continue until October[4]. A very slow growing and long-lived tree in its native habitat[5][1], probably to 3000 years or more, but trees are unlikely to survive that long in Britain[1].
Plants grow best in the mild and damp maritime climate of south-west and west Britain[4][1].
Plants can be monoecious or dioecious, though they are more often dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is to be produced, though there is a report that trees rarely produce fertile seed in Britain[1]..
Range: S. America - Chile, Argentina.
Habitat: Usually found in boggy ground up to 800 metres, though it is also found at higher and cooler altitudes that have high atmospheric humidity, it is then usually associated with Nothofagus dombeyi.
Usage: A fibre obtained from the inner bark is used for caulking boats[5].
Wood - light, very durable, immune to insect attacks, of excellent quality. It is used for construction, carpentry, musical instruments etc[6][7][5].
Pollinators: Wind
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Seed Ripens: Mid Fall
Flower Type: Dioecious
Also Known As: F. patagonica. Pinus cupressoides.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Mitchell, Alan. Conifers in the British Isles. Stationery Office Books, 1975.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Reiche, Karl. Flora de Chile.
- ↑ Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.